Malaysia men single players, Aidil Sholeh in action during against the Chinese Taipei player, Chia Hao Lee at the semi final match Bergamot KL Masters Malaysia Super 100 2023 at Stadium Titiwangsa on November 04.—AZMAN GHANI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Men's singles shuttler Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin is out to justify his selection for the SEA Games from Dec 9-20 in Thailand.
World No. 43 Aidil is the sole independent badminton player picked for the Games as all the others selected are part of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
The 25-year-old, who turned independent last year when he was dropped by BAM due to underperformance, was rewarded after reviving his career under coach Nova Armada.
Aidil captured the Sri Lanka International Challenge title in February and finished runner -up in the World Tour Super 100 Al Ain Masters in September.
"I didn't expect to be called up for the SEA Games and I feel happy to get to play in the men's team event," said Aidil.
"Perhaps, I was chosen due to my improved performances in a few tournaments this year.
"I want to show what I can do on court. My target is definitely to contribute a point for the team."
Aidil last played in the biennial Games in the 2019 edition in the Philippines where he helped the team win silver.
The other men's singles players included this time are Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh and Eogene Ewe.
Aidil was invited to train at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara as part of the preparations for the Games.
"I started training in ABM on Monday. I missed training here with my teammates and I'm happy to be back," said Aidil.
"The training programme is similar to when I was part of BAM. For me, the sparring sessions here are good."
Looking forward, Aidil is keen to continue his encouraging form next year.
"I aimed to break into the world's top 32 rankings by the end of this year but couldn't. I will try again next year," said Aidil.
"Overall, I'm satisfied with my form this year but I still need to improve a lot. I need to be mentally tougher on court."
