Rexy: We must match Indonesia and Thailand's squad strength
National coaching director Rexy Mainaky said discussions regarding squad selection are still ongoing within BAM.
Rexy stressed that Malaysia needs to send a squad capable of challenging main rivals Indonesia and Thailand for gold and is waiting to see which players they commit to the event.
"We do have a proposed list of players, however, I need at least a few more days, possibly a week to finalise it," said Rexy, when met after the Sea Games selection committee meeting at Wisma OCM here today (Aug 12).
"We are still discussing this with Kenneth Jonassen (singles coaching director) and Herry IP (men's doubles head coach).
"Thailand will be sending their strongest squad. It is likely that Kunlavut Vitidsarn will be playing.
"If Indonesia and Thailand send their top players, we will have to do the same if we want to be competitive."
Top men's doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, who won gold at the 2019 Manila Sea Games, indicated that they are prepared to make way for other pairs to compete at the Sea Games.
Among those capable of filling the slot includes in-form duo Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King, who recently claimed the Macau Open title, and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun.
"We value the players' opinions and yes, we do have a number of strong men's doubles pairs," said Rexy.
"There are, however, many factors that need to be considered. This is part of the discussion we are having."
Aaron-Wooi Yik, Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei are among the players who have been shortlisted for the Thailand Sea Games.
Malaysia did not win any gold medals in badminton at the 2023 Phnom Penh Sea Games. The squad concluded their campaign in Cambodia with two silver and four bronzes.
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