Malaysia is set to showcase a carefully curated blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talent at the upcoming Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships, scheduled to take place in Qingdao, China, from February 11 to 16. The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) unveiled the team lineup on Thursday, January 23, with Rexy Mainaky, BAM’s Director of Coaching, emphasizing the strategic importance of combining experience with emerging potential.
The squad features a mix of rising stars and established players, including Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh, Man Wei Chong, Tee Kai Wun, Yap Roy King, Wan Arif Wan Junaidi, K Letshanaa, Wong Ling Ching, Teoh Mei Xing, Go Pei Kee, Tan Zhing Yi, Cheng Su Hui, Hoo Pang Ron, and Cheng Su Yin. They will be joined by the experienced duo of Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Lai, who recently impressed with their semi-final appearances at the Malaysia Open and India Masters.
Rexy Mainaky explained the rationale behind the selection, stating, “After much deliberation, we opted for a balanced team, blending senior experience with back-up players to provide them with a great opportunity. If not now, when will they get the chance?” This approach underscores BAM’s commitment to nurturing a pipeline of talent capable of supporting Malaysia’s core players in the long term.
The tournament serves as a critical platform for emerging players to gain invaluable experience on the international stage. Rexy highlighted the importance of developing a robust support system for key players such as Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, and men’s singles star Lee Zii Jia. “Our core players are gearing up for a packed calendar ahead, and this tournament provides an excellent platform for back-up players to step up and gain valuable experience,” he elaborated.
Rexy reiterated his focus on preparing the team to deliver their best performance at the championships. “We are committed to ensuring that the team is well-prepared and ready to compete at the highest level,” he said. The tournament will not only test the mettle of Malaysia’s emerging talents but also provide a glimpse into the future of Malaysian badminton.
Malaysia has been drawn into Group B for the competition, where they will face formidable opponents such as Indonesia and Hong Kong. The group stage will be a crucial test for the team, offering an opportunity to gauge their readiness against some of Asia’s strongest badminton nations.
The Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships in Qingdao represent a significant milestone for Malaysia as they aim to strike a balance between immediate competitiveness and long-term player development. With a mix of youth and experience, the team is poised to make a strong impression while laying the groundwork for future success on the international stage.
Squad List
Name | Age |
---|---|
Leong Jun Hao | 13 July 1999 (aged 25) |
Justin Hoh | 1 April 2004 (aged 20) |
Letshanaa Karupathevan | 19 August 2003 (aged 21) |
Wong Ling Ching | 7 October 2003 (aged 21) |
Man Wei Chong | 5 September 1999 (aged 25) |
Tee Kai Wun | 17 April 2000 (aged 24) |
Junaidi Arif | 6 June 2002 (aged 22) |
Yap Roy King | 10 February 2001 (aged 24) |
Go Pei Kee | 18 April 2002 (aged 22) |
Teoh Mei Xing | 6 March 1997 (aged 27) |
Cheng Su Hui | 16 June 2003 (aged 21) |
Tan Zhing Yi | 1 August 2003 (aged 21) |
Goh Soon Huat | 27 June 1990 (aged 34) |
Shevon Jemie Lai | 8 August 1993 (aged 31) |
Hoo Pang Ron | 29 March 1998 (aged 26) |
Cheng Su Yin | 16 June 2003 (aged 21) |