Despite requests to have himself excluded from the Badminton Asia Team Championship (BATC) in Hyderabad, India next month, national ace Lee Chong Wei has been included in the list of players in order to strengthen the team to brighten their chances of qualifying for the Kunshan Thomas Cup this May.
National GP champion, Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin admitted that the participation from the Malaysian top seed will be set as a guidance for the inexperienced younger players
“I think that the younger players won’t be able to provide a challenge to other countries such as Japan and China if Chong Wei is not on the list. His presence will motivate the other players,” said Iskandar as quoted from Berita Harian.
“Even if Chong Wei doesn’t want to play in India, putting his name on the list will at least serve as a threat to the opponents.”
“With his presence, it will be good to motivate the team mates alongside bringing fear to the opponents.”
Recently, Chong Wei was reported to be rather disinterested in taking part in the BATC and hopes to shift his full focus to his preparations for the upcoming Rio Olympics in August. However, without a strong team in the championships, team Malaysia could be jeopardizing their chances to qualify for the Thomas Cup.
Meanwhile, Iskandar has no specific aims regarding the Malaysia Masters in Penang.
“I will be facing Son Wan Ho of South Korea in the opening round, so it’s not an easy match but I will try my best.”
The Malaysia Masters will commence this January 19 to 24.
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