Herry calls for 'Malaysia United' at World Championships
This also gives the impression that there are two camps.
It's about the description given to the country's top shuttlers, who found themselves known as "national players", "BAM players", "independent players" or "professional players."
And such differentiation is perturbing to national men's doubles coach Herry IP.
Herry, who incidentally is Indonesian, doesn't want to see the "two sides" of Malaysia at the Paris World Championships next week.
He said Malaysia's representatives at the World Championships must be seen as one team, whether they come from BAM or are independents.
Compete as a team, fight as a team, the mantra goes. Look at football, where great sides like Manchester United embody such spirit, the word UNITED so profound.
So, for Herry, it should be Malaysia United (MU).
On paper, the BAM challengers are Leong Jun Hao, K. Letshanaa, Aaron Chia, Soh Woi Yik, Man Wei Chong, Tee Kai Wun, Arif Junaidi, Yap Roy King, Pearly Tan, M. Thinaah, Go Pei Kee, Teoh Mei Xing, Chen Tang Jie, Toh Ee Wei, Hoo Pang Ron and Cheng Su Yin.
At the other end, the independents are Lee Zii Jia, Goh Jin Wei, Goh Sze Fei, Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Lai.
"I don't want to look at it as 'Oh, this is BAM, these are independents.' They are all from Malaysia," said Herry.
Herry stressed that this year's edition carries extra meaning, with the final falling on Aug 31, Merdeka Day.
"We should support each other and give a gift to the country. A present for Independence Day would be one of the best things they can deliver," he said.
While second seeds Aaron-Wooi Yik are Malaysia's best bets for a world title, Herry believes the others can mount a strong challenge as well in Paris.
"We can challenge for titles. Whoever are more prepared and take their chances on the day will win."
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