KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Bernama) -- National badminton legend Datuk Rashid Sidek believes Malaysia can regain the Thomas Cup if they display strong team spirit, as the prestigious tournament demands more than just individual performances.
He said team spirit and trust among players could inspire the team to rise above expectations and spring upsets in a major competition like the Thomas Cup.
“In a team tournament, anything can happen. Sometimes teams regarded as weak go on to win, while those we consider strong end up losing.
“For example, take India — who would have thought they could become Thomas Cup champions? So apart from the athletes’ current performance, team spirit is also very important, especially in team competitions like the Thomas Cup,” he said when met recently.
When asked about the national squad’s chances of ending a 34-year title drought in the Thomas Cup, Rashid said he is optimistic that Malaysia could do it.
Rashid was part of the squad that defeated Indonesia 3-2 in a thrilling Thomas Cup final in Kuala Lumpur in 1992.
He urged all parties to continue supporting and encouraging the national badminton squad.
“For me, Malaysia actually have the potential to win because the team have their own strengths.
“So we must believe in our team, as those who will be selected are generally players who compete regularly in tournaments every month,” he said.
The 2026 Thomas Cup will be held in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24 to May 3.
-- BERNAMA
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