BAM president Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz has urged Malaysia’s junior shuttlers to embrace the World Junior Championships with confidence, telling them to enjoy the experience and compete without carrying unnecessary pressure.
During a visit to the national junior squad ahead of their departure for Cairo, Tengku Zafrul praised the players for their commitment in training and encouraged them to give their best while representing Malaysia.
“Go there, play your best, enjoy the experience and fly the Jalur Gemilang high,” he said in a social media post.
Tengku Zafrul was particularly impressed by the intensity shown during training, describing the young players as “quick, focused and really serious” once they stepped onto the court.
The Malaysian squad features a combination of players with experience on the Asian junior circuit and others preparing to compete on the global stage for the first time. The tournament will provide an important opportunity for the youngsters to gain valuable experience as they work towards eventually making the step up to senior international badminton.
Among those carrying strong medal hopes is Low Zi Yu, who will be chasing a first World Junior title after finishing as a girls’ doubles runner-up at the previous two editions.
Zi Yu’s strongest opportunity for gold in Cairo could come in the mixed doubles, where she will partner Ahmad Redzuan Zulwaqqarizal Ahmad.
The pair head into the tournament with confidence after winning the Asian Junior Championships title in July, giving them valuable momentum ahead of their World Junior campaign.
With the championships scheduled to take place in Cairo from October 5 to 17, Malaysia’s young shuttlers will be looking to turn their preparation into strong performances on the international stage.
Tengku Zafrul also reminded the players that they have the support of the country behind them, saying: “All of Malaysia is praying for our squad’s success.”
For Zi Yu and the rest of the junior squad, the challenge now is to enjoy the occasion, compete freely and make the most of their opportunity to represent Malaysia on the world stage.
