Shuttlers on the rise
BOOST: More expected to be included in Podium Programme
MORE shuttlers are expected to make the list for the Podium Programme beginning next year.
This comes following the new selection criteria which was released by the National Sports Institute (NSI) last month.
Initially, only medal winners from major events — Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games — were considered.
The BA of Malaysia (BAM) will submit a list of players before finalising them in January together with the NSI.
Lee Chong Wei, men’s doubles Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong and mixed doubles Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying were already listed for the Podium Programme following their achievements at various major events.
BAM, however, have declined to reveal the names of those who are yet to be nominated, though players like Goh Jin Wei, men’s singles Lee Zii Jia, men’s doubles Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi and mixed doubles Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing are expected to be the frontrunners.
Some of the factors which will be taken into account in addition to the criteria include upward performance trajectory, performance comparison against medal winners at major events, prior experience competing at major events, age profile and event strength.
Jin Wei, 16, and Zii Jia, 18, are young shuttlers with the potential of winning a medal at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
Jin Wei’s best achievement was winning the World Junior Championships last year in Peru, while Zii Jia reached the last four stage at this year’s edition in Bilbao, Spain.
Men’s doubles Yew Sin-Ee Yi have won four titles this year and are currently ranked World No 27 while Kian Meng-Pei Jing have won two titles from six finals and are ranked No 10 in the world.
It is also learnt that Chong Wei, despite indicating that he will not play at the next Olympics, will go on with the programme till 2018 where he is expected to attempt winning the Asian Games in Jakarta.