Is it time for Muhammad Hafiz Hashim to call it a day? – Badminton Feature
Malaysia’s seasoned shuttler Muhammad Hafiz Hashim has escorted his country to glory in several international events but it seems he has lived his days as he failed to rise on his toes in the recent past.
The 30-year-old player, who has claimed prestigious titles like All England Open and Commonwealth Games, has been struggling to revive his lost form for last couple of years and his below par performance brought him under fire.
Hashim’s last notable success was six years ago when he became champion in 2006 Philippines Open. He has been fielded almost in every prominent tournament but he squandered every opportunity and crashed out in a disgraceful manner.
His latest achievement was a semi-final round entry in 2012 Malaysia Open GP Gold where an unseeded Indonesian player Sony Dwi Kuncoro turned his plans of victory into dust. Later he showed some spark in 2012 Thomas Cup Finals but that fluctuated performance
was not enough him to bring him back on track.
During Thomas Cup Finals, staged in China, Hashim took off in perfect manner and played his part against South Africa and Denmark. He registered a splendid straight-set win over Prakash Viyajanath in his opening encounter and then stood tall against a higher
ranked Danish campaigner Hans Kristian Vittinghus.
However, Hashim failed to perform when it mattered as he got dazzled in front of the Chinese master Chen Long and Malaysia had to bid farewell to the most prestigious team event.
World Number three Chen Long did not spare him even in 2012 Indonesia Open and smacked him down in very opening match. This shameful exit was followed by couple of more disgraceful performances.
National number four, Hafiz Hashim had to face an early exit also from Singapore Open, China Masters and Chinese Taipei Open. He surrendered against relatively inexperienced shuttlers like Boonsak Ponsana, Chun Shih Kuei and R.M.V. Gurusaidutt.
This long streak of failures triggered a debate that the veteran Malaysian should hang up his racket to avoid further embarrassment at the international level. Former legends believe that a player like Hashim’s calibre should save his honour and say good-bye
to the game.
Moreover, the critics also declare him a little old for a comeback as modern game techniques have changed the scenario and it will be an uphill task for him to elevate his physical and mental abilities at this age.
On the other hand, youngsters like Wei Feng Chong, Daren Liew and Arif Abdul Latif are catching up at great pace and they have proved their worth by raising their country’s flag in several international tournaments.
Especially when the Malaysian maestro Lee Chong Wei is planning to retire in next couple of years, national body has decided to groom back-up shuttlers to ensure its maximum presence in the arena.
Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has announced a four-year programme to transform its inexperienced but talented shuttlers into World beaters and this clearly shows that a seasoned player like Hafiz Hashim does not fit in Association’s future plans.
Hashim, who represents Kuala Lumpur Racket Club (KLRC), does not have many options as his disappointing outings throughout this season depict that there are very few chances of elevation in his craft. So Hashim should admit that he has lived his moments
of glory and now it is the right time to leave the court.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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