Malaysia’s badminton team is preparing for a possible change to its women’s doubles lineup after Noraqilah Maisarah Ramdan suffered a left ankle injury ahead of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
Noraqilah sustained the injury during training on September 10, leaving her participation in the tournament uncertain just days before the Games begin. The 2026 Asian Games are scheduled to take place from September 19 to October 4 in Japan.
The young shuttler is still hoping to make her debut, but her condition will be closely monitored as she undergoes rehabilitation. She has also acknowledged that she should not force herself to compete if she is not fit enough.
Source: NST
With uncertainty surrounding Noraqilah's availability, national doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky is preparing alternative options to ensure Malaysia can maintain its competitive lineup.
Cheng Su Yin and Shevon Lai are among the players being kept ready for a possible tactical reshuffle. The coaching team will need to assess the available combinations and determine how best to adjust the lineup should Noraqilah be ruled out.
Noraqilah's regular partner, Low Zi Yu, has also indicated that she is prepared to accept the coaches' decision if a change becomes necessary.
For now, the priority remains Noraqilah's recovery and a proper assessment of her fitness once the team arrives in Japan. Her participation will depend on her condition, while Rexy and his coaching staff continue preparing for different scenarios.
With Malaysia aiming to challenge for medals at the Asian Games, the situation highlights the importance of squad depth and tactical flexibility as the women's doubles competition approaches.
