Astro Kem Badminton (AKB) returns for its 2026 edition by kicking off its first coaching clinic in Selangor as part of an initiative to discover and develop young badminton talent. Organized by Astro together with the Ministry of Education (KPM), the programme continues to strengthen grassroots badminton development in the country. As many as 400 young participants joined the launch and clinic of AKB 2026 at a school in Selangor on 22nd April 2026, highlighting the strong response to the programme.

GOXUAN announcer Kryston enhanced the event, engaging the students in a Q&A session, and participating in fun challenges with them. To date, AKB has trained more than 23,000 children reinforcing its commitment to youth development as it marks its 13th anniversary this year after being established in 2012. The clinic is open to both boys and girls aged 10 to 12 to train under the same coaching standards to ensure equal opportunities for all participants. 

Director of Communications and Sustainability, Foo Su Lynn, said, “We are proud to continue our collaboration with KPM on Astro Kem Badminton 2026. Our goals are aligned in shaping the next generation of Malaysian youth to become better athletes and well rounded individuals. Through the participation of KPM-appointed coaches in every state where the AKB Tour will be held, as well as exploring new venues such as Miri, we are able to expand our reach and enhance opportunities for students.” 

Following Selangor, the coaching clinic will continue across four other states: 

• Penang [25-26 April] - Relau Sports Complex
• Johor [2-3 May] - Daiman Johor Jaya Sports Complex
• Sarawak [9-10 May] - Tung Sports, Miri
• Kuala Lumpur [15-17 May] – Arena Sukan Kuala Lumpur 

At each location, participants undergo training sessions led by experienced and certified coaches. The programme not only focuses on developing technical skills like movement, coordination, and game understanding, but also on building well-rounded character traits, i.e. being courteous, knowledgable, skilled, resilient and confident (beradab, berilmu, berkemahiran, berdaya tahan, dan berkeyakinan). 

Each clinic concludes with friendly matches, allowing players to apply what they have learnt. Top talents from each state will then be invited to attend the AKB Selection Camp in Kuala Lumpur, which will be held for five days in July 2026. The selected performers will then have the opportunity to attend the regional training camp in December. 

For interested participants age 10 to 12 (born between 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2016), come and join us by registering here or scan the barcode below. Don't miss out on this opportunity!