Hafiz Hashim all set to start All England preliminaries as independent player – Badminton news
The Malaysian shuttler Hafiz Hashim will appear as an independent player in All England Open where he is going to start his race from the qualifying round of the event.
The World Number 32 Hafiz Hashim was launched as independent player last year and it is the first time he is going to compete in All England Open on his own.
The Malaysian has graced every episode of world’s oldest open All England since 2003 but he could not participate last year owing to start of his sponsored career. He has been subjected to the qualifying round for the first time but he is confident to make
the best out of it.
Hafiz Hashim said, “My ranking has dropped so I naturally have to start in the qualifiers. It is awkward but I am determined to show some improvement. A year ago, I didn’t think I could still represent the country as an independent player. Now, I’m still
very much wanted. It feels good to be needed.”
His first year of independent career has proved fruitful for him as he managed to rise on his own toes after becoming the elite member of Kuala Lumpur Racket Club (KLRC).
However, Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) realises his worth and he always has been the top choice of the Association to represent the country. Just few days ago, BAM has officially summoned him in national training camp for Axiata Cup, Thomas Cup
finals and London Olympics.
Hafiz is determined to elevate his physical and mental fitness to bag the best for the country in these prestigious future events.
He said, “I joined the BAM training a few days ago and have people looking into my physical condition. I am also spending more time in the gymnasium. I know that I can play more confidently if I am fitter.”
The second highest ranked, after World Number one Lee Chong Wei, Malaysian shuttler Hafiz Hashim has clear chances to the Thomas Cup finals so now he is just concentrating to pave his path to the main round of the All England Open.
Hafiz Hashim will be meeting Chan Yan Kit of Hong Kong in the qualifiers and he is likely to face the real challenge in main round where South Korean shuttler Lee Hyun-il will be standing in his way to glory.
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