BAM boss wants best Malaysian shuttlers for Thomas Cup
Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Norza Zakaria wants Malaysia’s best shuttlers to play in this month’s Thomas Cup.
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BAM BOSS SAYS PLAYING FOR MALAYSIA ‘AN HONOR AND PRIVILEGE’
Zakaria cited the importance of gathering the best shuttlers for major tournaments.
He said such an act will be “remembered and appreciated.”
“Representing the country is an honor and privilege. Not many will get this opportunity,” the BAM boss said.
“Our athletes must know that their service for the country will be remembered and appreciated by every Malaysian,” he added.
Malaysia’s unity and pride, Zakaria said, reflect on the best shuttlers uniting to form a strong team.
“We will be heading in the right direction if we have our best players and they are willing to fight for the country,” he added.
ZII JIA’S THOMAS CUP STATUS UNCERTAIN AMID ZAKARIA’S STATEMENT
Zakaria’s statement came after Lee Zii Jia might skip the Thomas Cup to focus on the Paris Olympics.
“I believe all the top players will want to play for this team,” he added.
Malaysia’s showing in the Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) reflected Zakaria’s sentiments.
BAM TO FINALIZE THOMAS CUP LINEUP BY APRIL 13
The BAM boss has until April 13 to finalize Malaysia’s team for the Thomas Cup in Chengdu, China from April 27 to May 5.
Meanwhile, Tze Yong is racing against time to recover from spinal disc surgery to play in Chengdu.
BAM coaching director Rexy Mainaky earlier disclosed that Tze Yong has shown progress from his injuries.
Zakaria hopes that both Zii Jia and Tze Yong crack Malaysia’s lineup for the Thomas Cup.
“In individual tournaments, it’s only the player’s pride at stake. But in a team event, we should aim to preserve our country’s pride,” he said.
