IPOH: Young shuttler Eng Ler Qi is undaunted by the tough challenge faced by her seniors in the women’s singles.
Malaysia have long struggled to produce top players in this department with world No. 43 Goh Jin Wei and world No. 52 K. Letshanaa the country’s current top two in the event.
Ler Qi though believes there is hope for a brighter future and wants to be one of the players who can add some much needed quality in the event.
The 17-year-old is one of several promising players coming up the junior ranks along with reigning Under-21 national champion Lim Zhi Shin and Malaysia Games (Sukma) silver medallist Oo Shan Zi.
Ler Qi, who hails from Selangor, was included in the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) set-up in January after reaching the semi-finals of the Under-21 and Under-18 national tourneys.
The youngster has immediately been fast tracked into the senior team along with Zhi Shin, who is also 17, while Shan Zi, 18 has been part of the senior set-up since 2023.
"I see there’s fresh hope for Malaysia in the women’s singles as there are several new prospects coming up from the junior level," said Ler Qi.
"There’s tough competition in national tournaments which I believe is a good sign as this can help our women’s singles become better.
"Top players in other countries have a strong mindset which we need to follow in order to succeed."
Ler Qi, who currently trains under Misbun Ramdan, knows that there’s a tough road ahead to becoming a top player but is out to do whatever it takes to succeed.
"I have a long way to go but I am willing to sacrifice and stay committed to become a top player," said Ler Qi.
"For now, I need to work on my consistency and reduce the mistakes in my games. I also need to be more stable emotionally on court.
"Sometimes, the pressure can overwhelm me and I will then lose focus.
"Coach Ramdan told me to play more confidently and don’t feel too pressured," added Ler Qi.
For now, Ler Qi is out to impress in the Under-18 national meet where she will be vying for the title with Shan Zi and Zhi Shin.
She had no problems reaching the fifth round after ousting Pahang’s N. Mishaliny 15-8, 15-6 at the Academy Badminton Perak in Ipoh yesterday and will meet Johor’s S. Hasyni Devi next for a spot in the last eight.
