PETALING JAYA: Only the Olympic Games gold has eluded Malaysian badminton.
Except for that, it has been a good year, says the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) coaching director Rexy Mainaky (pic) after the curtain came down on the season with the completion of the World Tour Finals.
Malaysia had two representatives in Hangzhou, China, with Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei becoming the first mixed pair to reach the final before losing and debutants Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani also finishing as the runners-up.
In Super 500 and above tournaments this year, Malaysia have won a total of 10 titles out of 20 final appearance. It’s a rare accomplishment for the sport that had been struggling in recent years.
There are also some achievements at the junior levels.
Rexy knows there’s more work need to be done but he remains positive.
“Except for missing the gold at the Olympics, our BAM and professional players have made it a good year for Malaysia this year,” said Rexy.
“I hope we can either repeat or do even better next year.”
With the arrival of Kenneth Jonassen of Denmark expected next year, Rexy is hoping for a revival in the men’s singles department.
Except for the men and women’s singles, all other departments have done rather well through Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik (men’s doubles), Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah (women’s doubles) and Tang Jie-Ee Wei.
“I have high expectations on the men’s singles department next year, hopefully, our players will step up,” he added.
The hope is on Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh, Eogene Ewe and Ng Tze Yong to show improvement and make their presence felt in the international stage.
