Rashid Sidek says BAM to announce team for Axiata Cup after Thomas and Uber Cup qualifying rounds
Malaysia’s Men’s Singles national coach, Rashid Sidek said that the Badminton Association of Malaysia will announce national squad for the Axiata Cup, starting from March 23, after the Thomas and Uber Cup qualifying rounds, which will take place from February 14-19, in Macau.
The coach also indicated that there is a possibility that back-up shuttlers will be given the chance to compete in this Men’s team-even tournament because those players who qualify for the Olympic Games will remain focused in training sessions.
However, he also expressed that final decision will be taken in this regard after the qualifying rounds of Thomas and Uber Cup Finals.
While talking about the plan for Axiata Cup, which will be held in Indonesia and Malaysia, Rashid expressed that nothing can be said at the moment as it will be decided in the last week of this month.
He said, "As of now, we don't know yet (about the Axiata Cup) and may be after the Thomas and Uber Cup qualifying rounds, we will select the players for the (Axiata) championship.”
He also added that players who will participate in Olympic Games are expected to remain focused in their preparation and the governing body might not field them to play Axiata Cup. However, he also expressed that the lucrative RM3.03 million is a good move to promote badminton.
He added, "We might not field players training for the Olympics but no final decision has been made. At least the players can play in more championships. They can get exposure especially the reserve players."
Six countries will participate in this team-event tournament including Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore. Two teams from Indonesia and two teams from Malaysia will compete in this event while all other countries will field one team each.
Currently, the top Malaysian shuttlers including Men’s Singles World Number One, Lee Chong Wei, and Men’s Doubles World Number Six, Koo Kien Keat – Tan Boon Heong, are busy in the national training camp and are not assured to participate in this tournament.
The top shuttlers might not become a part of national squad for Axiata Cup as the main target of BAM is to keep them focused in their preparations for Olympic Games.
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