Kuala Lumpur: After the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has enlisted 31-year-old Daren Liew to lead the Malaysian badminton team at the Asian Games in Jakarta, Liew vowed to win at least a medal for his country at the quadrennial sporting event.
However, the Malaysian professional player also aware that he was given a huge responsibility but he took it as a motivation for him to do well in both the team and men’s singles events.
“I am grateful that BAM has decided to give me this opportunity to play in Jakarta. I did not expect to represent Malaysia to the Asian Games this year,” said Liew.
“I know this a big responsibility, but I’m aiming for a medal in either team or men’s singles event,” added Liew.
The president of BAM has confirmed that they’ve decided to send the 2012 French Open champion to replace Lee Chong Wei who withdrew from the tournament due to health issues. Liew was selected by BAM due to his remarkable performance at the recently concluded World Championship in Nanjing, China.
The world’s 39th ranked player proved he still has the pace, touch and ability needed to win a bronze medal at the World Championships which saw him losing to the eventual champion Kento Momota of Japan in the semi-finals.
In regards to the ankle injury he picked up in the quarter-finals of World Championships, Liew said it was not serious and medical report has confirmed he could play at the Asian Games in Jakarta.
“Medical report showed the injury was not serious, and I can play. I’m expected to undergo training with the squad starting next week before leaving for Jakarta.”
Besides Liew, BAM also sent three other men’s singles players to the Asian Games including Lee Zii Jia, Leong Jun Hao and Soong Joo Ven.
