Rhine-ruhr: The national badminton squad is all geared up for its medal-hunting mission at the 2025 World University Games (WUG) in Rhine-Ruhr here. Men’s singles player Jacky Kok Jing Hong said the close relationship among the players that has been established since the previous central training camp is one of the main strengths of the team. The University of Malaya (UM) student said that the harmonious atmosphere and high team spirit among the players would give them an advantage, especially in the mixed team event that will open at Westenergie Sporthalle, this Friday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Jacky Kok expressed confidence in the team’s readiness, emphasizing the camaraderie built during their time at the central training camp. He noted that the unity among teammates could be pivotal for future team events. Kok highlighted the importance of bringing out their best in the game, especially with the competition point format being limited to 15 points. He stressed the need for mutual support among team members to achieve success.

For the mixed team event, Malaysia were drawn in Group D with only Canada. Meanwhile, badminton squad head coach Datuk Rashid Sidek stated that his team has no excuse for failing to beat Canada. Rashid emphasized the necessity of winning against Canada to secure the position of group champions, which would facilitate an easier path to the knockout round. He urged the team to play their best and not underestimate their opponents.

Former national men’s doubles player Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif also plays a pivotal role as the national team coach with the aim of improving the medal tally from the last edition. The badminton camp previously secured two bronze medals in the men’s doubles and mixed team events in Chengdu, China. WUG 2025 is scheduled to take place from July 16 to 27.