Misbun: Malaysia's Asian Games shuttlers 'mere participants', not gold contenders

KUALA LUMPUR: Coaching legend Misbun Sidek described Malaysia's Asian Games badminton team as "just participants" rather than gold medal contenders.

"Based on my assessment from their performances in tournaments, our shuttlers are not there yet," Misbun said of Malaysia's chances of ending a 20-year gold drought in badminton at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, which start on Saturday.

The badminton competition begins with the men's and women's team events on Sunday.

Among the squad, only independent men's doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani have won titles on the World Tour.

Aaron Chia's partner Tee Kai Wun won the Korea Masters with Yap Roy King.

However, Roy King was not included in the Aichi-Nagoya team.

In women's doubles, Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah won the Indonesia Masters earlier this year, but their recent form has been poor.

Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei were also winners at the Indonesia Masters.

However, Ee Wei is nursing a knee injury, forcing Tang Jie to pair with new partner Cheng Su Yin.

Misbun said tournament performances should serve as a realistic indicator of Malaysia's chances.

The BA of Malaysia set a target of one silver and one bronze in Aichi-Nagoya, alongside undisclosed internal targets for players.

Misbun said the national set-up should be capable of developing champions from available talent.

He added that coaches and BAM management should understand the players' capabilities and set realistic goals.

"These players were selected from the states because they were the best. Why can't they become champions? To me, it can be done," he said.

"They already know how to play. What remains is how they are developed and trained to become champions. That is very important.

"Only the coaches know what targets are possible because they work with the players. But if it were me, I would aim to be a champion."

Malaysia last won an Asian Games badminton gold at the 2006 Doha edition through Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong.