Daren aims to repay BAM’s faith in him
player Liew Daren is determined to repay the faith the BA of Malaysia (BAM) have placed in him by winning a medal at the Indonesia Asian Games on Aug 19-28.
Daren is aware of the huge responsibility on his shoulders but stresses that it only adds to his motivation to do well in both the men’s singles and team events.
“I am grateful to BAM for giving me this opportunity and believing in me. Frankly, I wasn’t expecting a spot in the Asian Games squad. I am honoured to be given this chance,” said Daren, who is a member of the AirAsia Badminton Academy.
“I know this is a big responsibility but that is not an excuse for me (to fail). I have personally set a target to win a medal for the country in either the team or singles event.”
Daren was picked for the Asian Games as replacement for Lee Chong Wei following his bronze medal feat at last week’s World Championships in Nanjing.
“I will join the national team in training next week before we leave for Jakarta. I have stated my commitment and I will train with them,” the World No 39 added.
The other Asian Games-bound singles players are Lee Zii Jia, Leong Jun Hao and Soong Joo Ven.
Meanwhile, Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong believe they can upset the odds and win the men’s doubles title in Indonesia despite their inconsistent form.
V Shem said they are determined to improve on the two bronze (doubles and team) they had won at the 2014 Incheon edition.
He stressed that their third round loss at the world meet should not be used as an indication of their current form.
“We are not thinking about the world meet anymore. Our focus now is on preparing for the Asian Games and we hope to do better than Incheon by winning a silver or a gold,” said V Shem.
Teo Ee Yi- Ong Yew Sin are the other pair selected for the Asian Games.