KUALA LUMPUR: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has strategically selected a blend of emerging talents and seasoned players to represent the nation at the upcoming Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships in Qingdao, China, from February 11 to 16. This decision underscores BAM’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of badminton stars by providing them with a platform to gain invaluable experience on the international stage.
Notably, several of Malaysia’s top shuttlers, including men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, women’s doubles duo Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, and mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, have been rested for this tournament. This move opens the door for back-up players to step up and showcase their capabilities.
The Malaysian squad features men’s singles players Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh; men’s doubles pairs Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun and Yap Roy King-Wan Arif Wan Junaidi; women’s singles shuttlers K. Letshanaa and Wong Ling Ching; women’s doubles pairs Tan Zhing Yi-Cheng Su Hui and Teoh Mei Xing-Go Pei Kee; and mixed doubles pairs Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie and Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin.
National coaching director Rexy Mainaky emphasized the importance of this opportunity, stating, “When else can we give these players an opportunity if not in this tournament?” He highlighted the need to manage the workload of top players due to an already packed schedule and expressed confidence that the back-up shuttlers will rise to the occasion.
The tournament serves as a qualifier for the prestigious Sudirman Cup, scheduled for May 14-21 in Xiamen, China. A strong performance in Qingdao could not only bolster Malaysia’s chances of qualifying but also provide the coaching team with more options for future international competitions.
Malaysia has been drawn into Group B, alongside formidable opponents Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Kazakhstan. The team aims to advance beyond the group stage, with aspirations of reaching the semi-finals for the first time in the tournament’s history.
As the competition approaches, the spotlight will be on these emerging shuttlers to seize this golden opportunity and make a significant impact on the international badminton scene.
