SUKMA 2024: Rising Junior Badminton Talent Sets New Standard For Meet In China

By Muhamad Zulkarnain Mohd Azman & Farah Najihah Zuraimi

KUCHING, Aug 25 (Bernama) -- The impressive display by junior badminton players at the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2024 has presented the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) with a delightful dilemma: selecting the national team for the next month’s World Junior Championships in Nanchang, China.

National junior coach Ameer Amri Zainuddin said this year’s SUKMA saw young talent outshining seasoned national players, creating an exciting yet challenging situation for BAM.

“This year’s SUKMA has been fiercely competitive. Traditionally, there has always been a notable gap between players under 21 and juniors. However, this time, the juniors have really stepped up, putting the pressure on their seniors.

“This healthy competition is crucial as we finalise our team for the World Junior Championships,” he told Bernama.

Among the standout performers was Penang’s Oo Shan Zi, who caused a major upset by defeating BAM’s top-ranked women’s player, K. Letshanaa of Selangor, in a thrilling semifinal clash.

In men’s doubles, Selangor’s Muhammad Faiq Haziq Masawi and Lok Hong Quan claimed gold with a hard-fought rubber game victory over Penang’s Goh Boon Zhe and Rayner Beh Chun Meng.

Johor’s Dania Sofea Zaidi and Low Zi Yu also shone brightly, securing gold in the women’s doubles.

Meanwhile, national mixed doubles player Aaron Tai Wei Qin and his partner Noraqilah Maisarah Ramdan from Melaka delivered standout performances in their events.

Ameer Amri said BAM has already pinpointed several rising stars, including 14-year-old Zi Yu.

“Zi Yu’s performance at such a young age is impressive and signals a bright future. She is definitely a talent to watch,” he said.

--BERNAMA