Source:REUTERS/ALAN BALDWIN
[Saba Sports News] The 2024 Asian Badminton Team
Championship has concluded with the Malaysian men’s team experiencing a loss to
the Chinese men’s team in the finals. Despite facing injuries and competing
against a reserve lineup from China, the president of the Malaysian Badminton
Association remains confident in the team’s ability to compete for the Thomas
Cup championship, set to begin in April. The president highlighted that the
absence of their top-ranked men’s singles player, LEE Zii Jia, due to
sinusitis, and the absence of Ng Tze Yong, the second-ranked men’s singles
player, due to a back injury, created challenging circumstances. Nevertheless,
reaching the finals for three consecutive tournaments under these adverse
conditions is considered a significant achievement, deserving praise from fans.
The Malaysian men’s team has showcased positive aspects throughout the Asian
team competition. With targeted and thorough preparations, they aim to reclaim
the Thomas Cup championship. It is worth noting that Malaysia last won the
Thomas Cup in 1992 and reached the final in 2014. Following the retirement of
renowned players like Lee Chong Wei, the performance of the Malaysian men’s
team has declined, making regaining the Thomas Cup a contemporary goal.