KUALA LUMPUR: The BA of Malaysia (BAM) have decided to go with youth instead of experience for the Thomas and Uber Cup squads this year.
Following the Coaching and Training (C&T) committee meeting on Thursday at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara, the BAM named 10 shuttlers each for the Thomas and Uber Cup in Bangkok on May 20-27.
C&T chairman Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria, who is also BAM president, said selection was done upon recommendations from the head coaches, who will also be held accountable at the end.
And while it may seem like a gamble, Norza assured that the selection was based on the players' latest performance as well as their character,
"The rationale behind the selection is based on their latest performance, and from all angles. For the men's doubles, Cheah Soon Kit (head coach) had already discussed with the other coaches including Paulus (Firman) and they believe that these players would make the best combinations.
"Also we want to expose our new talents in Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik. For the longest time we have been relying on our seniors, so it is time to give these young players a chance.
"If you realise, back in 2014 (New Delhi) Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong were a scratch pair, and that was where they got their exposure. It is an investment for the future," said Norza, who also surprised everyone by including newcomer (on three-month probation) Arif Latif in the squad.
On why doubles shuttler Ong Yew Sin was left out of the squad, while his partner Teo Ee Yi made the cut, Norza said: "Because the other pairs are performing better, be it during training or even those who are on trial.
"We also look at players with character and personality. Looking at the recent Malaysia IC (April), players like Aaron-Wooi Yik did very well.
“We want players with hunger and the belief that they can take on anyone.
"We (BAM) have to be brave in making this decision, and I believe that this is the best squad we are sending."
Norza announced that both the Thomas and Uber Cup squads will begin their centralised training on May 10-15 at ABM. This will include team training and bonding sessions conducted by National Sports Institute psychologist, team outing and a BAM family lunch on the final day.
For the Thomas Cup, Malaysia are in Group D along with defending champions Denmark, Russia and Algeria, while for the Uber Cup, Malaysia are also in Group D with favourites China, Indonesia and France.
The BAM have targeted their teams to reach the semi-finals of the Thomas Cup and quarter-finals of the Uber Cup.
The last time Malaysia won the men's team crown was back in 1992 in Kuala Lumpur.
Meanwhile Pang Cheh Chang has been promoted to be the mixed doubles head coach and will be assisted by former head coach Chin Eei Hui.
Thomas Cup squad: Lee Chong Wei, Lee Zii Jia, Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin, Leong Jun Hao, Goh V Shem, Tan Wee Kiong, Aaron Chia, Soh Wooi Yik, Teo Ee Yi, Arif Latif
Uber Cup squad: Soniia Cheah, Goh Jin Wei, Lee Ying Ying, S.Kisona, Vivian Hoo, Chow Mei Kuan, Lee Meng Yean, Goh Yea Ching, Soong Fie Cho, Tee Jing Yi