DATUK Seri Nadzmi Salleh has to contend with another challenger for the presidency of the Badminton World Federation after Denmark’s Poul-Erik Hoyer Larsen announced his candidacy on Thursday.
Hoyer Larsen, who stunned the badminton world when he won the men’s singles gold in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, is the current Badminton Europe (BEC) president.
He was elected to BEC in 2010 and also serves on the Denmark Olympic Committee.
Hoyer Larsen said he was encouraged to run by several colleagues from all over the world after current president Kang Young Joong said he would not seek re-election.
Hoyer Larsen said he had been fully supportive of Kang and would not have considered standing had the Korean decided on another term.
“I want to lead the BWF in the same spirit as today and ensure an open dialogue with key stakeholders. I represent unity in the badminton world as I believe that we need strong cooperation to compete against other sports.
“Our prime target must be to ensure badminton’s status as an Olympic sport and with my profile, I believe I can contribute to badminton’s Olympic aspirations.”
BAM president Nadzmi had announced during last week’s Maybank Malaysia Open that he was offering himself for the BWF top job during the AGM on May 18 in Kuala Lumpur.
Also in the fray is Indonesian Justien Suhandinata, making it a three-cornered fight for the top job.
