The Sudirman Cup Badminton Championship this year will be held in Gold Coast, Australia, from the 21st until the 28th of May.
Youth and Sports minister Khairy Jamaluddin is positive that Malaysia can ace the biennial tournament, given that all national shuttlers display impeccable teamwork in Gold Coast.
According to the minister, Malaysia has always performed exceptionally well in the Sudirman Cup championships over the years. We finished second in 2014, and emerged semi-finalists in 2016, which shows consistency and Malaysia’s potential to go far in the tournament.
Khairy said Malaysia’s mixed doubles pair, Tan Kian Meng – Lai Pei Jing, and women’s doubles pair will play a major roles in leading Malaysia to the finals this year.
He also noted it is time for women singles shuttler, Goh Jin Wei to step up and shine, as she is no longer a backup shuttler.
Although the aim is to reach the semi-finals, the minister is aware that anything can happen in the championship.
“Anything can happen and the players just need to play very well as they are in the best position to create a new history at the championship.” Khairy said.
He also noted that although men’s doubles pair Goh V-Shem and Tan Wee Kiong have been inconsistent, the duo might surprise everyone at the Sudirman Cup.
“They can be the world’s number one pair, but at the same time, they can also be the first pair to be shown the exit.” he added.
The are five matches in every round of the Sudirman Cup, men and women singles, men and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. There is no prize money involved, so shuttlers play to earn BWF (Badminton World Federation) world ranking points.
The 15th edition of the Sudirman Cup this year will be held at the Carrara Sport and Leisure Centre in Gold Coast, Australia.
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