Anif honoured to lead Malaysia at Asian Juniors

The Star

15-07-2025

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian junior shuttler Datu Anif Isaac is excited to be named the captain of the Malaysian team for the Asian Junior Championships taking place in Solo, Indonesia, from July 23-27.
The 18-year old described being given the skipper's role as an honour but he is also aware that it comes with heavier responsibilities and challenges.
''It was unexpected for me to be picked as the captain but since I have been given this responsibility, I'm ready to face the challenges.
'I'm ready to shoulder the responsibility and lead the team,'' said Anif.
''The challenge for the team is to perform to our best abilities in the competition as we have been preparing for a year in both the team and individual events.'
Anif also said that he received a lot of advice from his seniors when he was selected for the role.
''I have learnt a lot from my seniors and they've told me to do my best in big tournaments. They also advised me to enjoy myself and have fun while playing.'
Anif, who finished runner-up at the Petronas Malaysia Junior International Challenge in Perlis recently, stated that his target is to reach the final and try to win a gold medal.
He will play in the boy's doubles with Damien Ling, and the mixed doubles with Dania Sofea Zaidi.
In the mixed team competition, Malaysia are in Group B along with Indonesia, Singapore, Macau and Myanmar.
The top two teams will advance to the quarter-finals.
In last year's edition, Malaysia won silver in the boys' doubles through Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing while Siti Zulaikha Azmi (girls' singles), Ong Xin Yee-Carmen Ting (girls' doubles) and the mixed team contributed bronze medals.