The 2025 Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championship set to run from February 11 to 16 will be the ideal platform to identify young players for the Thomas Cup and Sudirman Cup, believes coach Rashid Sidek.
The former shuttler is known for guiding Malaysia to the 1992 Thomas Cup win as the first singles player.
Led by mixed doubles players Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai, World No.4, the Malaysia team comprises Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh (men’s singles), Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun and Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Ro King (men’s doubles), Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin (mixed doubles) and K. Letshanaa and Wong Ling Ching (women’s singles), and Teoh Mei Xing-Go Pei Kee and Tan Zhing Yi-Cheng Su Hui (women’s doubles).
“The Asian meet is not a major team event, but it provides the stepping stone for our back-up players. It will provide an opportunity to identify potential players who can make the grade and play in the Sudirman Cup and the Thomas Cup,” Rashid said.
“This is also the first time we have not listed any seniors except for Soon Huat-Shevon, and this will be a big test for the second liners.
“Even Wei Chong-Kai Wun can be considered inexperienced, and the experience they will gain at the Asian Mixed Team can make them valuable members of future Thomas Cup squads.
“Same goes for Jun Hao and Justin who can gain more experience before playing in the Thomas Cup next year,” he added.
Malaysia can emerge as a surprise package in the Asian continental event with defending champions China and other contenders picking up an inexperienced squad.
“Most countries have been preparing for the All England (March 11-16) and have decided to test their back-ups at the Asian Mixed Team.
“Malaysia appear to be fairly balanced and may be the surprise package of the tournament. They may even beat China in the knockout stage and results like this will further boost the players’ confidence.
“With China and others not sending their best, we have an outside chance of winning the title.”
Malaysia are drawn with second seeds Indonesia and Hong Kong in Group B while China are in Group A with Taiwan and Singapore.
Group C comprises Japan, Thailand, and Kazakhstan while India, South Korea, and Macau are in Group D.
The Malaysian team has never reached the semi-finals in the past.
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