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NSC warns national shuttlers to buck up

NATIONAL shuttlers who have been struggling with their form have until June to buck up or face the music as National Sports Council (NSC) director general Datuk Zolkples Embong is concerned with the performances of some established names.


Leading the list of non-performers are Hafiz Hashim and Kuan Beng Hong while the pressure is also on men's doubles Zakry Latif-Fairuzizuan Tazari as well as women's singles Wong Mew Choo.

Zolkples said the Thomas Cup Finals, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur on May 9-16, is another chance for Hafiz and Beng Hong to show progress.

"We are very concerned with their (Hafiz and Beng Hong's) performances. However, Hendrawan will continue training them until June due to the Thomas Cup," said Zolkples.

"BAM is to review their performance after that and the onus is on these players to safeguard their careers in the lead-up to the Thomas Cup.

"Zakry-Fairuz have also not been pulling their weight and dropping them from the All England and Swiss Open is a wake-up call.
"There are also several other players like Razif Latif and Ong Soon Hock who will be closely monitored as they have been around for some time."

Soon Hock, who partners Hoon Thien How, has already shown some seriousness as the pair shocked World No 2 Jung Jae Sung-Lee Yong Dae of South Korea in the Malaysia Open last week.

This has also prompted their coach Pang Cheh Chang to name them for the All England (March 9-14) and Swiss Open (March 16-21) in order to battle for a place in the Thomas Cup and this has also given Soon Hock the chance to save his career.

Zolkples was also concerned with the progress of Zulfadli Zulkifli, one of the most talented juniors in the country, as the 17-year-old shuttler has rejected an offer from BAM to join the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS).

His father Zulkifli Sidek, who is also his coach, has even refused an offer where Zulfadli trains with the national juniors but can continue studying outside BJSS.

"I don't want to see Zulfadli as a wasted talent. He needs quality training, nutrition, medical support and other needs to achieve his true potential," said Zolkples.

"He has special ability and I want him to join the national team.

"He can train with any coach he wishes to and NSC and BAM will make the necessary arrangements."

Zulfadli is targeted to win this year's Asian Junior Championships in Bukit Jalil (March 21-28) and the World Junior Championships in Guadalajara, Mexico (April 18-25) but his chances look slim now as the shuttler has been stagnant for more than a year.

2010/01/29
By K.M. Boopathy

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