Ready to take charge: Tan Kian Meng is looking forward to his first duty as a skipper.
PETALING JAYA: Humility is one trait shared by many great and successful leaders and lanky Tan Kian Meng has certainly got it.
The modest independent shuttler has been named as the team captain of the Sudirman Cup squad gearing up for the event in Suzhou, China, from May 14-21.
It’s his first duty as a skipper in his badminton career.
The 28-year-old Kian Meng was surprised but is determined to play his role in the best way.
“I’ve never been a captain before, whether for a junior or senior team. I’m learning to be one now,” he said, with a little chuckle.
“I’m grateful to the coaches and management for believing in me. I do feel proud and happy.”
And firstly, he wants his team to be known only as the Malaysian squad – not independent or Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) players.
“In this squad, we are all Malaysians. There is no difference whether one is an independent or national player. This is very important,” said Kian Meng, who will be playing with Lai Pei Jing in the mixed doubles.
Out of the 20 selected, eight are independent players.
The others in the team are Lee Zii Jia, Ng Tze Yong (men’s singles); Goh Jin Wei, K. Letshanaa (women’s singles); Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi (men’s doubles); Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, Valeree Siow-Go Pei Kee (women’s doubles); and Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, Hoo Pang Ron-Teoh Mei Xing, Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie (mixed team).
“Team unity is the key. I’m glad we have had a team building camp, where we were able to warm up to one another,” he said.
“I’ve a responsibility as the team leader, I’ll be the go-between person for the coaches and players. I hope to do the best I can to keep this team together.”
On Malaysia’s chances, he said: “Every player and every event is important.
‘‘All have an equal job, it does not matter who gets to play, we will support one another.
“I just hope the players will look after themselves, avoid injuries, don’t put undue pressure on themselves but fight as a team.”
