SHAH ALAM – The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has set its sights on the clear objective of reaching the semi-finals of the Asia Team Championships scheduled to take place at the Setia City Convention Centre in Shah Alam from February 13 to 18.
Its goal is a top-four finish, a feat that would catapult Malaysia towards the prestigious 2024 Thomas and Uber Cup in Chengdu, China, slated for April 28 to May 5.
BAM secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh said the final decision on the competing teams was still in the hands of the national coaching director, Rexy Mainaky.
“We have until January 26 to announce the teams so I think Rexy still needs some time to make his final decision.
“We are targeting the top four first, but we will reassess that as the competition progresses,” said Kenny, who is also the secretary-general for Badminton Asia.
At the last edition in 2022, Malaysia were champions of the men’s competition after beating Indonesia 3-0, while the women’s team secured a bronze medal after losing 3-0 in the semi-finals to South Korea.
Shah Alam, the chosen battleground for the championships, is no stranger to hosting badminton showdowns, having also held the tournament two years ago.
Kenny attributed the decision to Selangor’s stellar track record in organising the event.
“Selangor made a bid to organise this tournament. The last time the tournament was held here, they did an excellent job.
“So we decided that it was suitable to give the honour of hosting this tournament again to Selangor.
“Two years ago, we had to abide by Covid restrictions, but we still saw fans turn up for the tournament in droves.
“Now, with almost all restrictions repealed, we believe the tournament will be a smashing success,” added Kenny, who also serves as a Badminton World Federation council member.
This year’s men’s competition will feature a line-up of 15 teams, comprising China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, India, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar and Brunei.
On the women’s side, 11 teams, including defending champions Indonesia, will vie for the title. – January 18, 2024