BAM AWAITS RESPONSE FROM PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS FOR 2026 THOMAS CUP SQUAD

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 12 (Bernama) -- The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) is currently awaiting feedback from professional singles player Lee Zii Jia and men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Mohd Rumsani regarding their participation in the national squad for the 2026 Thomas Cup.

BAM Performance Committee chairman Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei said official invitations to join the governing body’s centralised training camp have been sent to the players concerned, including another professional player, Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin.

“Since December last year, the coaching team and I have been discussing early preparations. We will select players who are truly at their best for this preparation,” he told reporters here today.

He was met after a visit by BAM patron and the Prime Minister’s wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail to Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara.

Commenting further on the team’s preparations, Chong Wei said the national squad will depart earlier to Denmark for a 10-day training camp as the final phase of preparation, including adapting to the weather there.

“We want thorough preparations, that is why we will go early for the training camp there. Our target remains the same, which is to emerge as champions,” he said.

Meanwhile, BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said the mission to chase the prestigious title is in line with the governing body’s long-term plan under the ‘Tangkis 2030’ programme.

He said although they are aware of the major challenges ahead, the courage to set high targets is necessary in any sport.

The last time Malaysia lifted the prestigious trophy was at the 1992 edition in Kuala Lumpur.

“What we do not want is to look for excuses. I am optimistic that we have the players, coaches and leadership to make it happen. This is our opportunity and we must believe we can win,” he said.

-- BERNAMA