PETALING JAYA: Reaching the 2024 Olympics will be a tough ask for Mohd Haikal Nazri and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani given their new partnership but that won’t stop them from dreaming big.
The world No. 216 are at a disadvantage in terms of rankings and the one-year qualification period for the major international multi-sport event will begin in May.
Haikal admitted that it is an almost impossible mission, but he is willing to go the extra mile to help Izzuddin make a great effort to reach Paris.
“We’re a new pair with low rankings, but we’ve discussed about our targets,” said Haikal.
“He (Izzuddin) said that he wants to try to qualify for the Olympics.
‘‘We know that our chances are very low, but we’re willing to give it our best shot.’’
Haikal partnered Wan Arif Wan Junaidi for three years and reached world No. 47 before he was teamed up with Izzuddin, who decided to end his eight-year partnership with Goh Sze Fei.
Haikal-Izzuddin formed a brief partnership to compete in the Malaysian International Challenge in Ipoh last December and got off to a smashing start as they captured the title after defeating compatriot Sze Fei-Goh Boon Zhe in the final.
However, Haikal sustained a waist injury in Ipoh and he is still in the recovery period. It has been only two weeks since he returned to training.
“I went to the National Sports Institute (NSI) for an examination and the diagnosis showed that the injury was a slipped disc F3 and F4,’’ he said.
“I had to take a six-week break and now, I have to wear a waist support belt whenever I train on court.”
Haikal is looking forward to start their new journey by competing in back-to-back tournaments, starting with the China Masters from March 14-19, followed by the Vietnam International Challenge (March 21-16) and Osaka International Challenge (March 29-April 2).
Haikal-Izzuddin intend to gain as many ranking points as possible.
“I feel excited to compete in tournaments after forming this partnership and we will be competing in back-to-back tournaments next month.
“If we crash out in the early rounds, we will gain very low ranking points because these are lower tier events.
“So, we’re aiming to reach at least the semi-finals and it’ll be ideal if we can win a title.”
