PETALING JAYA: The eight-day centralised training camp in Herning, Denmark, is a crucial phase for the national badminton squad as they enter the final stage of preparations for the Thomas Cup Finals.
National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky said the groundwork had already been laid at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara over the past few months, but the camp in Herning will focus on sharpening all aspects of the team.
As part of their preparations, a match simulation session will be held, with Rexy planning to open it to the public to help create a competitive atmosphere.
“There will be a day where we conduct a match simulation involving only our players, but we will open the doors for the public to come and watch,” said Rexy.
Rexy has also brought along three additional men’s doubles pairs, Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King, Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing and Choong Hon Jian-Goh Boon Zhe, to serve as sparring partners not only for the Thomas Cup squad but also the women’s team preparing for the Uber Cup.
Meanwhile, Kong Wei Xiang will join the singles department as a sparring partner.
For Rexy, the main objective of the camp is to strengthen team chemistry and understanding among the players.
This comes as Malaysia have also been boosted by the inclusion of several independent players such as Lee Zii Jia, Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin, men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and women’s singles player Goh Jin Wei.
“The objective is to ensure the team build the right understanding and stay focused, because this tournament is different from individual events, it is a team competition.
“Our focus is for everyone to train well and support each other to make sure the team are truly strong,” he added.
The men’s team have been drawn in Group B alongside England, Finland and Japan, while the women’s team, who will compete in the Uber Cup, are also in Group B with six-time champions Japan, Turkiye and South Africa.
