KUALA LUMPUR: The officials felt that the Malaysian men's badminton team do not deserve a seeding at the Hangzhou Asian Games. But Rashid Sidek said this could work in their favour.
Rashid, a member of the team that won a silver at the 1990 Beijing edition, said Malaysia should use the opportunity to finish on the podium.
Based on the latest ranking list released on Tuesday, the Malaysian men's were not seeded and thus will start as underdogs.
But Rashid sees this as a blessing in disguise. "Based on current form, I believe our men's team can finish on the podium. Don't waste this opportunity," he said.
Indonesia are the top seeds in the men's team event followed by hosts China, Japan and India.
However, the team event does not offer Olympic ranking points.
And there are concerns that the players only save their best for the individual events instead of team.
"For me, the team event is when you fight for the country, for Malaysia.
"Yes, qualifying for the Olympics is important, but if you have a good chance to finish on the podium, why not?
"Another thing is our players can play without any pressure because they are not seeded.
"Go for it, I say," added Rashid, who also bagged the individual bronze medal at the 1990 Asiad.
The Malaysian men's team will be led by world No. 16 men's singles Lee Zii Jia, and former men's doubles world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik.
The others in the squad are Ng Tze Yong who reached a career high world No 19 ranking, former world championships bronze medallists Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, former Asian junior champion Leong Jun How, Cheam Jun Wei, Chen Tang Jie and Goh Soon Huat.
The draw for the team event is scheduled for Sept 27.
The Malaysian team, professionals and national players, are currently in joint training at the Academy Badminton Malaysia, and will depart for Hangzhou on Sept 25.