Home for Raya: Mohd Haikal (left) will focus on improving his ranking after the break.
PETALING JAYA: Mohd Haikal Nazri has reason to smile despite not being selected for the SEA Games in Cambodia next month.
The 20-year-old badminton player will finally get to celebrate Hari Raya with his family in his hometown, Bachok, Kelantan.
Haikal could not be together with his family during the festival for the past two years as he had been competing in tournaments.
He missed last year because he played in the Vietnam SEA Games with Wan Arif Wan Junaidi.
“I couldn’t celebrate Hari Raya with my family last year as Arif and I were preparing for the SEA Games and in 2021, we were competing in the Slovenian Open,” said Haikal.
“So, I’m grateful to get the opportunity to spend time with my family this year during the festival.
“It’s really going to be special as all my siblings will return home.
Haikal is also excited to get to eat all his favourite food during the festival.
“I love all kinds of food and there will definitely be a lot for me to enjoy during Hari Raya, especially rendang,” said Haikal.
Haikal will get to spend a week with his family before he has to return to serious training sessions at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara.
The youngster will then shift his focus on improving his partnership with Nur Izzuddin Rumsani.
Haikal-Izzuddin are currently ranked No. 116 in the world and their best result so far has been finishing runners-up at the China Masters last month.
“My aim is to climb up the rankings with Izzuddin to be able to qualify for higher-tier World Tour competitions by August,” said Haikal.
