THE Malaysians were welcomed in Guangzhou yesterday by smiling volunteers and good facilities. And this has left the coaches and players in a positive mood ahead of the World Championships, which will start tomorrow.
The volunteers went the extra mile to make the badminton fraternity feel very much at home, welcoming all the players at the Baiyun Airport with a warm greeting and infectious smiles and making sure that all the players and coaches were accompanied safely to the various hotels in the “City of Light”.
Even national doubles coach Tan Kim Her attested to the good vibes surrounding the place, giving the thumbs-up after the first day’s training session at the Tianhe Gymnasium.
The players will get another slot to train today before the competition begins tomorrow, with Malaysia quietly hoping to witness its first world champion since the tournament’s inception in 1977.
“Our players are in good mood and enjoyed a good workout at the badminton court. We have spoken a lot with the players in the last fews days to motivate them for the world meet. We can now see their positive attitude on the court,” he said.
Those who practised at the two courts in the venue were Lee Chong Wei, Liew Daren, Chong Wei Feng, Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong, Lim Khim Wah-Goh V Shem, Hoon Thien How-Tan Wee Kiong, Vivian Hoo-Woon Khe Wei, Goh Liu Ying-Lim Yin Loo, Ng Hui Lin-Ng Hui Ern, Amelia Anscelly-Soong Fie Cho, Chan Peng Soon, Ong Jian Guo, Tan Aik Quan and Lai Pei Jing.
Two others – Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari-Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif – are expected to join the squad today.
Limited time offer:
Just RM5 per month.
