KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s early exit from the 2025 Sudirman Cup has prompted renewed calls for the national badminton team’s second string to raise their game.
Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) honorary life president, Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, described the quarter-final defeat to China on Friday as “disappointing”, insisting that the team had enough talent to at least reach the podium.
“Every time there’s a team event, we end up relying on our top-tier shuttlers like Aaron Chia–Soh Wooi Yik (men’s doubles) and Pearly Tan–M. Thinaah (women’s doubles),” he said.
“Our second liners must be better prepared so we have a broader pool of dependable players. That would also help ease the pressure on our established stars.”
He made the comments after attending the unveiling of the national sepak takraw jersey and squad for the upcoming 2025 Asian Cup, which takes place at Titiwangsa Stadium from May 10-18.
Malaysia were eliminated after a 3–0 defeat by hosts China at the Fenghuang Gymnasium in Xiamen.
Mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie–Toh Ee Wei lost 17–21, 17–21 to Yan Zhe–Dong Ping, before Leong Jun Hao was comprehensively beaten 6–21, 14–21 by Shi Yu Qi.
In the women’s singles, K. Letshanaa was swept aside 8–21, 7–21 in just 32 minutes by Olympic champion Chen Yu Fei.
Norza also suggested that Malaysian players lacked the fighting spirit shown by competitors from nations like South Korea and Indonesia.
“Our players need to start playing with fire in their bellies. I feel that’s what really separates us from the others,” he added. — May 4, 2025