PETALING JAYA: Former national men’s singles player Wong Choong Hann believes the Thomas Cup played a major role in shaping the person he is today.
Choong Hann, now head coach of Hong Kong’s Thomas Cup squad, said the tournament remains one of badminton’s most special events because it offers emotions and experiences that individual competitions cannot replicate.
“I think the success and the failure that I experienced throughout many Thomas Cup campaigns helped shape me into a more focused and disciplined player.
“It also gave me a sense of responsibility carrying the hopes of the nation, yourself, your family, your friends and the flag on your shoulders.
“Those are special feelings that individual events cannot give you,” said Choong Hann in an interview with the Badminton World Federation.
His first Thomas Cup appearance came in the 1998 edition in Hong Kong, where he was a reserve as Malaysia lost 3-2 to Indonesia in the final.
Choong Hann came closest to lifting the trophy in Guangzhou in 2002, delivering Malaysia’s opening point with a win over Marleve Mainaky.
However, Malaysia again fell short as Indonesia secured wins through men’s doubles pairs Sigit Budiarto-Candra Wijaya and Halim Haryanto-Tri Kusharyanto, as well as singles player Hendrawan, for a 3-2 victory.
He added that the highs and lows of the Thomas Cup have also helped him become a better coach, especially when guiding young and inexperienced squads.
“Sometimes we have a strong team chasing the title. Sometimes we have a young team where we give them exposure to learn, grow, fall and rise again.
“It is always pleasing to see players give their best and exceed their own expectations. Watching them perform above their usual level is something special for me,” he said.
Hong Kong failed to qualify for this year’s Thomas Cup and Uber Cup after both their men’s and women’s teams were eliminated in the group stage of the Asian Team Championships in Qingdao in February.
