PETALING JAYA: It may be difficult to accept, but Malaysia’s men’s singles shuttlers could find themselves merely making up the numbers at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games if their recent form is anything to go by.
Former national men’s singles head coach Datuk Misbun Sidek is concerned about the progress of Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh, who will carry Malaysia’s challenge in the men’s team and individual events when the Games officially begin on Saturday.
Misbun feels it will be difficult for either Jun Hao or Justin to challenge for a medal based on their form over the past few months, especially when compared with some of their rivals.
"I’m not sure because when I look at the Asian Games, Indonesia have strong players, while Thailand are also improving and then there is China.
"So this is where we will see what they are capable of. Their performances in previous tournaments have already shown where they stand and whether they can maintain their level.
"But perhaps the coaches have their own plans. We leave it to them because they know the players better. I’m now an outsider, so I cannot say too much,” said Misbun.
Misbun, who previously coached both players as well as Eogene Ewe, who has been included in the team event, admitted he is puzzled by their lack of progress, especially when compared with players of the same generation from other countries.
Several players from the same age group have already made greater progress and started winning international titles.
"How can I not be worried? You look at India’s Ayush Shetty and some of the young players from Thailand. They are around the same age as Justin, but they have already gone much further.
"There are also players like Alwi Farhan, Zaki (Ubaidillah) and many others whom I have seen doing very well.
“These are the players we have to watch heading towards the next Olympics. They are going to be very tough opponents.
“You also have Alex Lanier and Christo Popov (of France), who are from the same generation. So the big question is why are they so much further ahead than our players?
"Is it the training programme? Is it the coaches? Is it the players themselves?
"The players will follow what they are taught and, of course, they want to become champions too. But the question is what are we giving them to help develop the weapons they need in their game?
"That is what I am looking at,” added Misbun.
To make matters worse, Malaysia no longer have a men’s singles player in the world’s top 32 after Jun Hao slipped two places to No. 33 in the latest BWF rankings.
The drop could affect his chances of gaining entry into higher-tier tournaments such as Super 1000 events such as Malaysian Open or All-England for next year.
