Badminton Association of Malaysia awaits responses from top professional players to join centralised training for the 2026 Thomas Cup campaign.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Badminton Association of Malaysia is awaiting responses from several professional players regarding their participation in the national squad for the 2026 Thomas Cup.

Official invitations to join BAM’s centralised training camp have been sent to singles star Lee Zii Jia and the men’s doubles pair of Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Mohd Rumsani. Another professional, Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin, has also been invited.

BAM Performance Committee chairman Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei said early preparations have been discussed since December. “We will select players who are truly at their best for this preparation,” he told reporters.

He was speaking after a visit by BAM patron Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail to the Akademi Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara.

Detailing the team’s plans, Chong Wei said the squad will travel to Denmark early for a 10-day final training camp. This camp is intended for thorough preparation and acclimatisation to the local weather conditions.

“Our target remains the same, which is to emerge as champions,” he stated.

BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said the mission aligns with the body’s long-term ‘Tangkis 2030’ programme. He acknowledged the significant challenges ahead but emphasised the need for high targets.

Malaysia last won the Thomas Cup in 1992 when it was held in Kuala Lumpur.

“What we do not want is to look for excuses,” said Tengku Zafrul. “I am optimistic that we have the players, coaches and leadership to make it happen.”

He added that this is Malaysia’s opportunity and the team must believe it can win.

 The Sun Malaysia