KUALA LUMPUR — Independent doubles coach Rosman Razak has downplayed comparisons between independent players and those training under the national setup at the Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM).
Instead, the former international emphasised that all players, regardless of where they train, are united by a shared goal of representing Malaysia.
At the recent China Open in Changzhou, two professional pairs—men’s doubles duo Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, and mixed doubles pair Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Lai—achieved notable milestones.
Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin clinched their first Super 1000 title, along with a prize money of RM622,000, while Soon Huat and Shevon reached the maiden Super 1000 final.
Speaking to Scoop, Rosman highlighted the importance of patriotism and national duty.
“We are all Malaysians at the end of the day. It doesn’t matter whether the players train at ABM or outside the national setup,” he said.
Having also guided men’s doubles pair Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi to the semi-finals in China last week, Rosman opined that having strong players in both independent and national squads creates healthy competition.
He added that all professional players are just as committed to representing Malaysia when called upon, particularly for the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships in February next year, and the BWF Sudirman Cup in April.
“We all play for the flag. Every player is ready to serve the country when needed,” he said.
It is worth highlighting that nearly every successful professional player has, at some stage, come through the national programme.
Following their outstanding performances last week, Sze Fei and Izzuddin climbed four places to a career-high world ranking of number eight, while Yew Sin and Ee Yi re-entered the top 20, moving up five spots to number 18.
In mixed doubles, Soon Huat and Shevon also returned to the world top 10 for the first time after more than a year. — September 25, 2024