23-04-2025
Razeeq stands tall for Selangor as he seeks to defend U-18 title
High flyer: Razeeq Danial Roslie in action during the National Under-18 Badminton Championship in Ipoh. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star
IPOH: Shuttler Razeeq Danial Roslie has his height to thank for his rise to become one of the most promising young men's singles players in the country.
Right after he was born, doctors predicted that Razeeq would become tall and upon hearing this, his father Roslie Rustam encouraged him to play badminton.
Fast forward to the present and the 18-year-old Razeeq, standing at 185cm, is using his height to his advantage to develop into one of the top juniors in the country.
The teen captured the National Under-18 Championships last year and finished runner-up in the Under-21 meet in January.
Razeeq, who hails from Selangor, caught the eye of the national selectors and joined the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) in February last year.
'My father told me that when I was born, the doctor said there was a strong possibility that I will become tall when I grew up,' said Razeeq.
'So, he encouraged me to play badminton. I'm not very strong yet but my height gives me an advantage as it helps with my attacking game.
'I'm happy with my progress so far in my badminton career but I hope to win an international title next.'
For now, Razeeq is out to defend his Under-18 crown and got off to a good start in the tourney when he brushed past Johor's Hon Jia Heng 15-2, 15-3 in the first round at the Akademi Badminton Perak in Ipoh yesterday.
Razeeq should have no problems overcoming Kuala Lumpur's Kyros Gan next in the second round today.
Although seen as one of the favourites for the title, the former is taking a cautious approach.
'I don't want to put undue pressure on myself as this might affect my game.
'There are many strong players in the tournament this time and I just want to perform my best.'
Razeeq is hoping that a good showing in the tourney will earn him a spot in the Asian Junior Championships from July 18-27 in Solo, Indonesia.
'I was selected for the Asian Junior meet last year but I lost in the first round,' said Razeeq.
'I hope to be picked again and I want to make amends this time.'
