Thomas Cup team manager Datuk Seri Mohamad Norza Zakaria wants the national line-up to perform their best without putting pressure on themselves in Kunshan, China on Sunday.
“The players must remain calm throughout the tournament because it will bring out the best in them,” the National Sports Institute (NSI) chairman said as quoted by Sinar Harian.
“Our preparations will mean nothing if the players’ performance are affected due to stress.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) deputy president also said that the squad must achieve victories against England and Germany to ensure a spot in the next round.
“I believe the players will know what is required of them to defeat any of their opponents.”
The Thomas Cup squad begin their quest for the prestigious trophy, which they last won in 1992, on Sunday when they face England, Germany and then South Korea on Tuesday.
The squad will be captained by Datuk Lee Chong Wei and he will be aided by the likes of Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin, Chong Wei Feng and Goh Soon Huat. The men’s doubles consist of Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong as well as Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong.
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