By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, Jan 30 — State executive councillor for sports Najwan Halimi is confident about the Malaysian team’s chances in the upcoming Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC).
His optimism is based on information provided by the national badminton coaching director Rexy Mainaky.
“So far, from the preparations, Rexy has shared that Malaysia looks very promising, aiming to reach at least the quarter-finals, but of course, we are hoping for better.
“It is also not impossible for Malaysia to replicate their performance from two years ago, where the men’s category emerged victorious,” Najwan told the press after officiating the 5th Selangor Youth Community Aspire programme at the Raja Tun Uda Library today.
Earlier today, Malaysia’s men’s team was handed a favourable group stage draw alongside Chinese Taipei, Kazakhstan and Brunei.
Chinese Taipei poses the biggest threat, although Malaysia is all but set to make it into the quarter-finals as one of the top two teams.
The women’s team, meanwhile, is grouped alongside Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.
In 2022, the Malaysian men’s team, led by Lee Zii Jia, won the BATC for the first time, defeating defending champions Indonesia 3-0.
The biennial continental championship, which also serves as a qualifier for the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup finals, will be held at the Setia City Convention Centre from February 13 to February 18, 2024.
Meanwhile, Najwan said Selangor is keen to host more major sporting events in the future.
Najwan also revealed that the state had bid to host the Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2024, scheduled to take place in August, although it was eventually decided the event would be held in Sarawak.
