PETALING JAYA: National coaching director Wong Choong Hann insists that his young charges won’t get carried away after winning a surprise bronze medal at the Sudirman Cup.
Instead, the players are eager to maintain the momentum into their next assignment – the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals in Aarhus, Denmark on Saturday.
Choong Hann said Malaysia will be aiming to pull off another spirited performance with their inexperienced side, particularly in the Thomas Cup where they have been set a quarter-final target.
“I strongly believe the players are more ambitious now and won’t be contented with the Sudirman Cup bronze,” said Choong Hann.
“They realised that there are many more important achievements to pursue. I have no doubt they will all remain motivated and will continue to perform well.”
Malaysia will again have their Sudirman Cup rivals – Japan and England – as company in Group D of the Thomas Cup. Making up the four-nation group is Canada.
On paper, Malaysia should join Japan as the top-two advancing into the last eight where a fresh draw will then be conducted for the knockout stage.
“We will definitely be looking at another podium finish,” said Choong Hann. “But what’s more important is to first negotiate past the group stage. We’re also keen to expose the other young players too but that will depend on our strategy.”
For the Uber Cup, the women face a tall order as they are bunched with China, Denmark and Canada in Group D.
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