KUALA LUMPUR: Men's singles player Jacky Kok and women's doubles shuttler Anna Cheong were among 13 players axed from the national badminton team for the 2025 season.
The BA of Malaysia (BAM) also named its 34-member squad who will carry the nation's challenge next year.
However, there could be an increase when the new national women's doubles coach is hired.
Once touted as the next Lee Chong Wei by former national coach Misbun Sidek, Jacky was not retained due to a lack of progress.
The world No. 125 has also struggled with serious injuries throughout his career.
Meanwhile, Anna failed to regain her form after suffering serious knee injuries in 2022 and last year. She only competed in one tournament this year — the Malaysia Open in January.
"We would like to express our deepest appreciation to several players who will be transitioning out of the national squad. They represented Malaysia with passion and commitment," BAM said in a statement today.
The 34 shuttlers were selected after a process of discussions between BAM management and the coaching team, led by director Rexy Mainaky.
In women's doubles, apart from national No. 1 pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, the remaining squad members will be decided following an evaluation by the new head coach.
Former international Hoon Thien How, who previously handled the women's doubles, has been reassigned as the new junior men's doubles coach.
The final squad members will be confirmed after the evaluation process is completed.
2025 squad:
Men's singles: Ng Tze Yong, Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh, Eogene Ewe Eon;
Doubles: Aaron Chia, Soh Wooi Yik, Man Wei Chong, Tee Kai Wun, Choong Hon Jian, Haikal Nazri, Wan Arif Wan Junaidi, Yap Roy King, Goh Boon Zhe, Wong Vin Sean, Fazriq Razif, Bryan Jeremy Goonting, Aaron Tai, Khang Khai Xing.
Women's singles: K. Letshanaa, Wong Ling Ching, Oo Shan Zi, Siti Zulaikha Azmi;
Doubles: Pearly Tan, M. Thinaah.
Awaiting evaluation: Teoh Mei Xing, Go Pei Kee, Lee Xin Jie, Tan Zhing Yi, Cheng Su Hui, Amanda Yap, Chan Wen Tse, Chong Jie Yu, Vanessa Ng, G. Vannee.
Mixed doubles: Chen Tang Jie, Toh Ee Wei, Yap Roy King, Valeree Siow, Hoo Pang Ron, Cheng Su Yin, Loo Bing Kun, Ho Lo Ee, Low Han Chen, Wee Yee Hern, Liew Xun, G. Vannee.
Shuttlers not retained
Men's singles: Chua Kim Sheng, Ong Zhen Yi, Jacky Kok, Jireh Lee Zhi Ming;
Doubles: Rayner Beh Chun Meng and Choi Jian Sheng.
Women's singles: Siti Nurshuhaini Azman, Ung Yi Xing;
Doubles: Anna Cheong, Low Yeen Yuan.
Mixed doubles: Jeremy Liang, V. Poopathi, Lai Ting Cen.