NS BANK ON NATIONAL BACKUP PLAYERS FOR SUKMA BADMINTON MEDALS

SEREMBAN, July 21 (Bernama) -- In their bid to win medals, Negeri Sembilan have called up seven national backup players for the badminton competition in the 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA) Sarawak 2024.

Negeri Sembilan Badminton Association president Datuk Ng Chin Chai said the competition at this SUKMA will be more intense as some states will be fielding players who have played in the Thomas Cup, Uber Cup and SEA Games.

 Ng said the 16-member squad is targeting two medals, in women's singles, women's doubles and mixed team events.

“The SUKMA standard this time is higher. For example, men’s singles player Justin Hoh (Federal Territory) won two titles in Europe about two weeks ago. Nevertheless, our chances of winning medals are still bright,” he told Bernama here today.

The seven national backup players are Ung Yi Xing, Heng Zi Hin, Ayu Fu Sheng, Goh Shu Xuan, Hazrilz Haiqal Zaizul Fazli, Lai Ting Cen and Vaneesa Ng.

Ung, 17, is determined to win a medal although she will be playing against national players.

The Port Dickson-born player said she is better prepared for the challenge after competing in the ASEAN University Games early this month.

“I expect stiff competition from defending SUKMA champion Siti Nurshuhaini Azman (Selangor) and one player from the Federal Territory. My preparations this time are better than that two years ago,” she added.

Heng, 17, is confident of putting up a good display in his SUKMA debut, where he will be partnering Joshua in men’s doubles.

"I participated in several national-level tournaments as part of my preparations for SUKMA," he said.

Negeri Sembilan have won badminton gold in SUKMA before, when national player S. Kisona lifted the women’s singles title in SUKMA Perak 2018.

The SUKMA badminton competition will be held at the Indoor Stadium in Sibu from Aug 17 to 24.

-- BERNAMA