Serve like frontliners
Norza urges shuttlers to emulate frontliners
BADMINTON Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria has urged the shuttlers to emulate Malaysia’s frontliners in the fight against Covid-19 when the squad are at the Thomas-Uber Cup Finals. “All of you are like soldiers armed with racquets, and you can do wonders,” he said.
The head honcho of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) Tan Sri Norza Zakaria has issued a clarion call to the national shuttlers – be the nation’s frontliners in the battle for supremacy in the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals.
In an inspiring 10-minute speech yesterday, Norza told the shuttlers to emulate Malaysia’s frontliners in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, when they go for the Finals which will be held in Aarhus, Denmark, from Oct 3-11.
“The government, through our brave frontliners, have done a great job in keeping the virus situation here under control and we’re doing a lot better than the rest of the world,” Norza told the 27-member team who will leave for Tioman Island today on a three-day motivational camp.
“And because of their efforts, we are able to resume our training early (since June), prepare well and assemble a formidable squad for the forthcoming Finals.
“So, it’s your turn to contribute to the nation. You will all be the next frontliners and I want you to go out there, showcase the true Malaysian fighting spirit and bring home the feel good factor.
“All of you are like soldiers armed with racquets, and you can do wonders.”
Norza believes that the sky is the limit for the youthful Malaysian side.
He expects the team that comprise future stars such as Lee Zii Jia and Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik to build on the solid progress made in the last 10 months.
At the Philippines SEA Games last December, Malaysia returned home with their best haul of three golds in 40 years and then carried the fine momentum into the Asia Team Championships in Manila two months later.
The men’s team performed admirably well to finish runners-up to Indonesia in the tournament doubled up as the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals qualifiers, while the women’s side made it to the last four to qualify for the Finals on merit for the first time since 2004.
Norza has challenged these youngsters to create history in the coming Finals.