Former World No.1 Rolin Hashim believes Malaysia can make it to their maiden Sudirman Cup 2025 final at Xiamen, China.
Malaysia is pitted in Group C and will begin their campaign against France on Monday. Japan and minnows Australia are the other teams in the event.
“Reaching the semi-finals should not be a problem. The national shuttlers have been performing well since the start of the season,” said Roslin.
“With that form, it’s not impossible to make the final.
“However, the real concern lies in the singles. Goh Jin Wei is unpredictable, but if she can secure a point, it could tip the balance in our favour.”
Hashim showed faith in Malaysia’s doubles pairs. “Our men’s doubles pairs are solid, while Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah are strong in the women’s doubles.
“Previously, we lacked strength in mixed doubles, but now we have Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai and Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, both ranked in the world’s top 10.”
Malaysia’s 20-member squad consists of Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh, Jin Wei, K. Letshanaa, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, Pearly-Thinaah, Go Pei Kee-Carmen Ting, Soon Huat-Shevon, Tang Jie-Ee Wei and Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin.
Malaysia have reached the semi-finals thrice — 2009 (Guangzhou), 2021 (Vantaa), and 2023 (Suzhou) — and will be keen on going one better.
Hashim mentioned that team unity will be key in China.
We had a strong team in Suzhou with Lee Zii Jia, Aaron-Wooi Yik and Pearly-Thinaah, but something was missing and we only made the semis.
“Building strong team spirit, especially between national and professional players, will make a difference.
“I was a professional once, but when called up to training camp, we always focused on creating a sense of unity and playing as one for the nation.”
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