Kuala Lumpur: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) was hoping to defend the men’s doubles and mixed doubles golds at the 2021 Southeast Asian Games, commonly known as the 31st SEA Games, which will be held in Hanoi, Vietnam, from May 12 to May 23, 2022.
Originally, the event was scheduled to take place from November 21 to December 2, 2021, but it was postponed to 2022 due to COVID-19.
BAM’s doubles coaching director – Rexy Mainaky said that men’s doubles World No. 45 Man Wei Chong/Tee Kai Wun, and mixed doubles pairs – World No. 23 Hoo Pang Ron/Cheah Yee See and World No. 29 Chen Tang Jie/Peck Yen Wei have strong chances to win gold in their respective categories.
Mainaky said that BAM will send mostly reserve players to the SEA Games, and the three pairs above would be the strongest reserve players from Malaysia.
“In addition, our women’s doubles also have the potential to win medals. We also feel we have the opportunity to win medals in team events,” said Mainaky.
Meanwhile, BAM’s secretary-general Kenny Goh said that most of the Malaysian senior players will be competing at the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals that will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from May 8 to May 15.
“Thomas and Uber Cup Finals will be our main priority. However, the SEA Games are also important and I believe our junior players will give their best in Hanoi,” said Goh.”
At the 2019 Manila SEA Games, the Malaysian badminton team achieved its best result in 44 years by winning 3 golds, 2 silvers, and 5 bronzes. The three gold medals came from Lee Zii Jia (men’s singles), Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik (men’s doubles), and Kisona Selvaduray (women’s singles).
