KUALA LUMPUR: National badminton singles head coach Datuk Misbun Sidek has made it clear that only well-prepared players will be sent for international competitions.
Misbun said it is pointless to send players for tournaments abroad only for them to falter in the early rounds.
"What is the point if it will be hard for them to clear even the first or second round?
"I feel it is better that they remain training here in Malaysia until they have improved on their weaknesses.
"We will send them when they are really prepared. Hopefully, this way, they will be able to perform at a high level," he said.
Misbun added that he has already laid out a detailed training programme and selection criteria for international tournaments based on players’ world rankings.
Misbun, who is assisted by Indra Wijaya, currently has eight players – Lee Chong Wei, Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin, Soong Joo Ven, Lim Chi Wing, Lee Zii Jia, Chong Yee Han, Soo Teck Zhi and Tan Jia Wei directly under his wing.
Coaches Hendrawan and Sairul Amar Ayob are in charge of four other players – Leong Jun Hao, Sim Fong Hau, Cheam June Wei and Tan Choong Yen.
Translated from Berita Harian