The roar inside the Setia City Convention Centre was more than just applause—it marked the resurgence of a promising career. Haziq Najib, representing Selangor, sensationally captured the men's singles badminton gold at the Selangor Malaysia Games (Sukma), putting himself firmly back in contention for a place in the national badminton squad. For the 21-year-old, the triumph could prove to be a pivotal moment in his career.
Key Highlights from Sukma Badminton:
- Haziq Najib won a dramatic gold medal in the men's singles for Selangor.
- The victory has significantly strengthened Haziq's chances of earning a national team recall.
- Melaka's Siti Zulkaikha Azmi lived up to her top billing by winning the women's singles gold.
- Haziq has already received an invitation to the crucial national team trials scheduled for September.
Haziq Najib's Golden Comeback: A Redemption Story
Haziq Najib produced a composed and determined performance to overcome Negri Sembilan's formidable Ayu Fu Sheng in a gripping three-game final. The 21-12, 15-21, 21-15 scoreline reflected a match filled with momentum swings, but Haziq held his nerve when it mattered most to secure the gold medal, particularly impressive given the strong field of national players in the competition.
Training with the New Vision Badminton Academy, Haziq admitted he was surprised by his success, knowing the draw was packed with talent, including players from the current national setup. His ability to navigate such a challenging field underlined his potential and readiness to compete at a higher level. Kedah's Kee Is Qian completed the podium by taking the bronze medal.
Back on the National Team Radar
Haziq is no stranger to the national setup, having previously been part of the national youth squad in 2022. However, a trial last year did not lead to a recall. His Sukma triumph has now opened the door once again, with a national coach reportedly watching his performance during the early rounds before extending an invitation to the upcoming September trials.
"I tried last year but didn't hear back," Haziq shared. "This year, I'm trying again, and I'm going to give it absolutely everything." With renewed focus and a major Sukma title under his belt, the 21-year-old has strengthened his case for a place in the national team and the opportunity to bring fresh talent and hunger into the squad.
Siti Zulkaikha Azmi: Queen of the Court
Melaka's Siti Zulkaikha Azmi also delivered an impressive performance in the women's singles final, overcoming Federal Territories' Lee Kay Xin with a convincing 21-12, 21-15 victory to claim the gold medal.
As the top seed and the oldest player in the draw, the 20-year-old entered the competition with plenty of expectations on her shoulders. "There was a lot of pressure, but I focused on controlling my emotions and staying calm," Siti explained. Her ability to stay composed under pressure highlighted her mental strength and championship quality, while Perak's Lee Mun also secured a well-deserved bronze medal.
