Kuala Lumpur: As the Malaysian badminton team gears up for the Hangzhou Asian Games, there’s an air of calm determination, despite being pegged as the underdog.
Badminton Asia’s recent declaration highlighted the four pre-selected teams for the men’s team event, spotlighting powerhouses such as Indonesia, China, Japan, and India. Meanwhile, for the women, the focus is on China, South Korea, Japan, and Thailand.
Yet, Malaysia’s male shuttlers are undeterred, awaiting the challenge, with the official draw scheduled for September 27.
Rexy Mainaky, Malaysia’s doubles Coaching Director, shared his perspective: “In the grand spectrum of the Asian Games, our categorization doesn’t dictate our spirit. My immediate task is to ensure our players are mentally fortified. Be it the preferred squads like Japan, China, or South Korea, the power dynamics remain formidable.”
He elaborated, “Wearing the ‘underdog’ badge means we step onto the court with less pressure on our shoulders. We stand ready, unfazed by the stature of our opponents.”
A look back to the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games paints a challenging picture. The team faced an early exit, succumbing 0-3 to Japan after Daren Liew grappled against Kento Momota, registering scores of 13-21 and 14-21. Similarly, the dynamic duo, Goh V Shem/Tan Wee Kiong, were outplayed by Takeshi Kamura/Keigo Sonoda with twin 18-21 defeats. Then, Lee Zii Jia faltered 18-21, 17-21 to Kenta Nishimoto.
