PETALING JAYA: Singles coaching director Wong Choong Hann and coach Hendrawan have been given the ultimatum to prepare a strong back-up for Commonwealth Games silver medallist Ng Tze Yong (pic) within the next six months.
As most of the nation’s leading shuttlers – world No 5 Lee Zii Jia, Liew Daren, Soong Joo Ven and Cheam June Wei – are independent shuttlers, Tze Yong is currently the number one at the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) stable.
The others like Leong Jun Hao, Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin, Lim Chong King, Jacky Kok, Shaqeem Eiman Shahyar and several other players have been stagnant.
“Tze Yong is our number one singles player. My question to Choong Hann and Hendrawan is – who is our No. 2 and No. 3? I have given them six months to find them,” said BAM president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria.
“We have many players but who are the the top three in BAM? We need to know. Everyone says we have Zii Jia the independent player and Tze Yong but the others – Joo Ven, June Wei, Daren – are all independent players.
“We need to identify two more potential players who can be pushed to become top class.”
Choong Hann said he and the singles coaches are working closely with a group of players and stressed the importance of the overall progress of these players.
“We are pushing the entire group of singles players and we are hoping that one or two will be able to shine and become quality players. Not just one or two but a bigger base and this includes Jun Hao, Aidil and Chong King. This process takes time but we will try our best,” said Choong Hann.
“Training alone is not enough but the players must also possess commitment and the willingness to go the extra mile. Sometimes, training becomes boring and the players must be mentally strong go through the routines consistently.
“We must also be careful to ensure the players don’t overtrain as this will cause injuries and our quest to see progress in them will be further delayed. We need the combination of training and sports science aspect to bring about the desired results.”
Choong Hann said it took time for Tze Yong to show results and is hopeful that the other players will take heed and start showing better progress.
There are also plans to fast track the juniors into the senior team where top junior Justin Ho is expected to join Tze Yong’s group after the World Junior Championships in Santander, Spain in October.
Meanwhile, BAM are also coming up with plans to allow the independent shuttlers to have joint training sessions with the national team members as it will help Malaysia’s cause.
Norza said the the coaches will be working out on a plan to make the initiative work.
