Rashid: Thailand may beat Malaysia to first Olympic badminton gold
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Rashid Sidek believes Thailand are emerging as a major force in world badminton and could well produce their first Olympic gold medallist at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The former world No. 1, who recently led the Malaysian Universities team to Bangkok for a series of friendly matches, said Thailand's rise is no fluke.
It's the result of a thriving club system that has been developing talent for more than 15 years.
"Thailand's success didn't happen overnight," said Rashid.
"They've been building steadily, and now it's paying off."
Thailand's badminton success is largely credited to its clubs, particularly the Banthongyord Badminton School, run by former international Patapol Ngernsrisuk.
Ratchanok Intanon, Thailand's first world champion, emerged from this system in 2013.
Kunlavut Vitidsarn, the reigning world No. 1 in men's singles, won the 2023 World Championship — the first Thai male to do so.
In 2021, Decapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai won Thailand's first mixed doubles world title, and the frmer is now building a strong partnership with Supissara Paewsampran heading towards LA 2028.
Rashid admitted that Malaysia's neighbours may now have the upper hand.
"It won't be surprising if Thailand beat us to Olympic gold in LA," he said.
"We have our strengths, but Thailand are now producing quality players regularly, and their club system is the reason.
"Kunlavut and Ratchanok came through club training. In Thailand, badminton is not dependent on the national body. Clubs run full-fledged development programmes, starting as young as Under-10."
Rashid likened Thailand's model to Japan's decentralised approach, where players train primarily at clubs and only join national camps occasionally.
"Thailand already have multiple world champions. They're consistent and capable of winning Olympic gold. Even Taiwan, who also rely on a strong club system, have won two Olympic golds in badminton," said Rashid.
In contrast, he warned that Malaysia's talent pool is shrinking, and an over-reliance on the BA of Malaysia (BAM) could prove risky.
"We can't depend solely on BAM anymore. Our clubs need to grow and have full-time training programmes, just like in Thailand," he said.
The Malaysian Universities team are already taking steps in that direction, working closely with leading Thai clubs like the Boonsak Ponsana Badminton School, T-Thailand, and SBU Jele, all coached by former internationals.
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