KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian badminton team is taking a wait-and-see approach before deciding on a strong line-up or supporting cast for the Asian Mixed Team Championships in Qingdao, China from February 11-16.
Coaching director Rexy Mainaki said that they are not ready to reveal the final squad as they want to assess their opponent’s line-up first.
For this edition, Malaysia was drawn in Group B, considered the “Group of Death” alongside Indonesia, Hong Kong and Kazakhstan.
Group B is the only group consisting of four teams, while the other groups consist of three teams each.
“We are still not sure if other countries will send their full team. While we already have a shortlist, we will wait and see before we advertise,” said Rexy.
Participating countries will be allowed to register a maximum of eight men and eight women per country until January 24.
April 27 – May 4 is the qualifying tournament for the Sudirman Cup in Xiamen, China.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) often sends second stringers, but for the last edition in Dubai 2023, they fielded a strong team that included players such as Lee Zi Gea, Aaron Chia-Soh Woi Yik and Pearly Tan-Em. Tina.
Additionally, BAM have also requested the services of a number of free agents, including Teo Yi Yee-Ong Yew Sin, Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pee Jing and Goh Jin Wei.
Despite a star-studded performance, Malaysia’s campaign ended in the quarter-finals with a loss to China.