Goh Soon Huat will lead the Malaysia national badminton team at the 2019 Sudirman Cup after being named as captain.

The appointment of the mixed doubles shuttler, who partners with Shevon Jemie Lai, was confirmed by Wong Choong Hann, coaching director at the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), on Wednesday.

At the same time, women’s doubles player Chow Mei Kuan was selected as vice-captain.

"We have discussed with the coaches and come to a collective agreement that we will pick Soon Huat as the captain this time because he is one of the most senior [players] in the team.

"We believe his vast experience throughout the years of playing will be a leadership example to all the youngsters and I’m sure he will lead the squad well.

"As for Mei Kuan, we believe she will carry out her duty well based on her good exemplary leadership throughout her career, where she always showcases good attitude.

"We believe with them being the leaders, the whole team will stay together in a more cohesive manner and [there will be] more productivity from the team.

"I believe they will also support the team players during crucial moments when they need moral support," said Wong.

The captaincy usually went to Lee Chong Wei, but the three-time Olympic silver medallist was ruled out of the tournament.

Malaysia are grouped together with 10-time winners China and 2018 Commonwealth Games winners India in the 16th edition of the Sudirman Cup, scheduled to take place in Nanning, China, from May 19th to 26th.

They have yet to emerge victorious at the mixed team tournament, coming the closest in 2009 when they finished third.

In Gold Coast, Australia, two years ago, they were knocked out by Japan in the quarter-finals.