Malaysian badminton legend Datuk Razif Sidek believes the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) should be aiming for gold at the upcoming Asian Games instead of publicly settling for silver and bronze.
BAM has set a target of one silver and one bronze medal for the Games, although players have reportedly been told privately to aim for gold.
Razif questioned the mixed messaging, saying Malaysia should not be afraid to set the highest possible target.
“Why are we not targeting gold? It is strange. We want gold, not silver,” Razif said.
For him, setting a gold medal target is not about guaranteeing victory. Instead, it gives the players a clear objective, with any medal ultimately earned on court being a bonus.
Malaysia will head into the Asian Games looking to end a 20-year wait for badminton gold. The country’s last triumph came at the 2006 Doha Games, when Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong, then a newly formed unseeded pair, stunned the field to win the men’s doubles title.
Source: BWF News
Razif sees similarities with the current men’s doubles pairing of Aaron Chia and Tee Kai Wun.
The duo are a scratch partnership, but Razif believes they have enough ability to challenge the leading pairs from China, South Korea and Indonesia if they can quickly build their understanding and produce their best badminton at the right time.
“They have the quality, but they need the chemistry and a bit of luck with the draw,” Razif said.
Alongside Aaron and Kai Wun, Razif also sees Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani as Malaysia’s leading hopes of ending the long wait for an Asian Games badminton gold.
The challenge will be significant, with Malaysia facing some of Asia’s strongest badminton nations. But Razif believes the players should approach the tournament with ambition rather than allowing the weight of expectations to hold them back.
BAM is also reportedly considering financial incentives for players who win gold. While such rewards could provide extra motivation, Razif believes they should remain secondary to performance.
“Don’t focus on the rewards. The important thing is to ensure your performance is at a high level,” he said.
With Malaysia still searching for its first badminton gold at the Asian Games since Doha in 2006, Razif believes the message should be simple. Aim for gold, prepare to perform at the highest level and let the results take care of themselves.
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