CHENGDU: Women’s singles shuttlers K. Letshanaa and Wong Ling Ching don’t have to look far for inspiration.
National coaching director Rexy Mainaky has called on the duo to follow the example set by Goh Jin Wei.
Letshanaa, Ling Ching and Jin Wei were part of the team that failed to progress to the last eight of the Uber Cup Finals for the sixth consecutive edition.
Malaysia lost 1-4 and 0-5 to Taiwan and Thailand respectively in the group.
Rexy believes Letshanaa and Ling Ching need to replicate Jin Wei’s fighting spirit to go far.
Jin Wei underwent colectomy surgery in 2019 which affected her stamina and strength on court. Despite her difficulties, the 24-year-old managed to qualify for the Paris Olympics in July.
“Despite her condition, Jin Wei always fights hard on court,” said Rexy.
“It’s tough for her as she can only eat one meal per day, yet she does not give up.
“Letshanaa and Ling Ching need to follow her example. They need to have the same mentality and fighting spirit.
“They have the skills but they are not consistent. They can play well one day and struggle the next day.
“This needs to change for them to be able to challenge the top players,” added Rexy.
Jin Wei is currently the No. 1 women’s singles player in the country at No. 32 in the world followed by Letshanaa (No. 68) and Ling Ching (No. 81).
Overall, Jin Wei and Ling Ching both only managed to contribute one point each in the Uber Cup in the tie against Australia while Letshanaa did not win her matches against Taiwan and Thailand and was not fielded against the Australians.
