WHY is Malaysia not playing in the mixed badminton team event?
This is because the mixed team event, which is contested for the first time, is to provide an opportunity for smaller nations to win medals in the SEA Games.
Traditionally, stronger badminton nations like Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand have dominated in the biennial Games leaving the likes of Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos far behind.
No country other than Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand have ever won gold in both the men’s and women’s team events.
Malaysia and the other countries will focus on the men and women competitions.
“The mixed team event has been introduced to help the development of badminton in smaller countries,” said Malaysia’s team manager Mohd Taupik Hussain.
“Malaysia along with Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam will not be participating.”
Hosts Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Brunei and Timor Leste will take part.
Meanwhile, Taupik was satisfied with the draw released for Malaysia in both the men’s and women’s team events after managing to avoid hot favourites Indonesia and Thailand respectively until the final.
“In the men’s team, we will likely face Thailand in the semi-finals instead of Indonesia if we beat Vietnam in the last eight tomorrow (today),” he said.
“In the women’s team, we will likely meet Indonesia in the last four instead of Thailand if we beat the Philippines.
“I believe we have a better chance of progressing to the final in both events after avoiding the favourites.”
