PETALING JAYA: Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz (pic) has urged Malaysians to get behind the national shuttlers rather than write off their chances at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games starting today.
His comments came in response to former national men’s singles head coach Datuk Misbun Sidek, who felt it would be difficult for Malaysia to end their long wait for a badminton gold medal through the men’s singles at the Games.
Zafrul said he respected Misbun’s views and contributions to Malaysian badminton, but believes the focus now should be on supporting the players.
“I respect coach Misbun and everything he has contributed to Malaysian badminton. But this is the time to back our players, not write them off before the competition even begins.
“Let them focus and give their best for Malaysia,” said Zafrul.
Misbun had earlier raised concerns over the strength of the Malaysian contingent and admitted he found it difficult to see any of the players ending the country’s 20-year wait for an Asian Games badminton gold medal.
Malaysia’s last gold came through men’s doubles pair Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong at the 2006 Doha Asian Games.
For this edition, BAM will rely on Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh in the men’s singles, while Aaron Chia-Tee Kai Wun and independent pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani will carry Malaysia’s hopes in the men’s doubles.
K. Letshanaa and Wong Ling Ching will feature in the women’s singles, with Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and Low Zi Yu-Noraqilah Maisarah Ramdan named in the women’s doubles.
Noraqilah’s availability, however, remains uncertain as she has yet to fully recover from a left ankle injury.
In the mixed doubles, Chen Tang Jie will form a scratch partnership with Cheng Su Yin, while husband-and-wife pair Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jamie complete the line-up.
At the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, Malaysia returned with just one badminton medal, a bronze won by Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik in the men’s doubles.
