Pengarah Kejurulatihan Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM), Wong Choong Hann, tampil berkongsi mengenai prestasi skuad wanita negara yang boleh dikatakan merungsingkan.
Skuad Uber negara juga gagal merealisasikan sasaran mereka iaitu mara ke aksi suku akhir apabila tewas dua daripada tiga perlawanan Kumpulan C.
"Memang benar pasukan wanita negara tidak mencapai sasaran memasuki suku akhir. Ia berpunca daripada perlawanan dengan Denmark (kalah 2-3).
"Tetapi pemain muda negara telah berikan semangat juang yang tinggi ketika menentang lawan yang lebih kuat," katanya.
Menurutnya lagi: "Orang kena tengok di mana kedudukan mereka sebelum ini. Orang cuma nampak mereka pada hari ini sahaja tapi kami nampak peningkatan ketara jadi kami nampak peluang yang ada.
"Kami sudah berada di landasan itu untuk menghadapi kejohanan yang lebih besar.
"Secara jujur kami masih ketinggalan berbanding dengan gergasi seperti China dan Jepun.
"Tapi kami cuba kecilkan jurang ini."
Dalam masa sama, Choong Hann menegaskan tiada istilah anak emas selepas pemain perseorangan utama, S Kisona, dihujani kritikan gara-gara aksi tidak menentu.
Perjalanan kariernya belum memenuhi jangkaan ramai sejak meraih pingat emas Sukan SEA 2017.
"Dia masih tercari-cari rentak selain dilanda beberapa isu pada tahun lalu. Malah, dia dua kali dijangkiti COVID-19 selain beberapa masalah kecederaan.
"Dia sedang dalam permulaan pemulihannya dan dia seharusnya mampu memikul tanggungjawab ini.
"Mungkin ramai yang kecewa kerana pulangannya tidak setimpal tetapi selagi dia berusaha dan berikan komitmen dalam latihan harian, kami percaya ia akan datang.
"Apabila dia menang ke atas lawan yang handal, semua orang memujinya tetapi sebaik kalah, semua orang mula mempersoalkan kewujudannya dalam pasukan.
"Saya harap sokongan terhadapnya kekal," katanya lagi.
Shaiful Shamsudin
Sat May 14 2022


Goretzka: Germany not setting World Cup targets ahead of Nations League tests
Leon Goretzka has featured in two disappointing tournaments for Germany, and says Hansi Flick's team have yet to set any World Cup targets.

Champions League final: Camavinga and Rodrygo, the wildcard exceptions to Ancelotti's rotation reticence
They may not start the Champions League final, but Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo have shown they do not need long to impact a game.

Mane reveals Man Utd transfer was 'all agreed' before 2016 Liverpool move
Ahead of Saturday's Champions League final, Liverpool's Sadio Mane spoke of how he rejected Manchester United to join the Reds in 2016.

McCullum aware England appointment a 'big risk' but hopes to transform red-ball cricket
England may have gambled on a seemingly inexperienced Brendon McCullum, but he is confident he can transform the nation's Test fortunes.

Champions League final: Will Paris showpiece also be shootout for Ballon d'Or?
The ultimate silverware in European club football is on the line in Paris, but could the game also decide where the Ballon d'Or is headed?

Kane pinpoints Tom Brady inspiration after early struggles at Tottenham
Tom Brady and Harry Kane forged an unlikely friendship, and the Tottenham forward has revealed how much he idolises the NFL star.

Kane targets breaking Rooney's England record in Qatar
World Cup glory is not the only thing on the mind of Harry Kane, who will aim to break Wayne Rooney's England scoring record in Qatar.

Benzema has taken on Ronaldo's role 'to perfection' – Kroos
Karim Benzema has had the best season of his career, with Toni Kroos convinced he has replaced Cristiano Ronaldo perfectly.

Diaz rejects favourites tag as Liverpool star prepares for 'dream' Madrid meeting
As Luis Diaz looks to fulfil his "dream" of winning the Champions League, he insisted Liverpool are not favourites to beat Real Madrid.

Rio Ferdinand and John Terry involved in 'fragile ego' Twitter spat
John Terry and Rio Ferdinand were involved in a back-and-forth spat on social media.