Shuttlers stay focused despite leaking roof, distractions
News 9:07 AM
LEAKING roof, installation of new gadgets and an appearance of a special guest certainly made it an eventful day for the Thomas-Uber Cup squads when they trained for the Finals for the first time at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
As the players went through their paces, some workers were looking at repairing a leaking roof and the damage to one of the host broadcasters’ room because of heavy rain.
But the two-hour session for the players was not disrupted because rain water only dripped on to the spectators’ arena while the water-filled broadcasters’ room was located some distance away from the court area.
Some workers were also busy installing Biozone, a gadget to maintain clean air inside the stadium.
Taking it easy: The Thomas Cup players clowning around during training at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil Tuesday. — S.S. KANESAN / The Star But the show-stealer yesterday was the Badminton Association of Malaysia’s (BAM) former patron, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, who turned up despite an injury to her right arm.
Her presence certainly lit up the atmosphere in the stadium. She waited until the players had completed their training sessions before giving them a pep talk.
National doubles chief coach Rexy Mainaky thanked Dr Siti Hasmah and Dr Ramlan.
“The presence of the former patron certainly gave the team a big boost. Her strong support will certainly psych up the team to do well in the Finals,” said Rexy.
“We also want to thank Dr Ramlan. His presence gave the team a big assurance, especially when there are concerns over the virus all around us. He has given the players, coaches and team officials regular updates and it is very comforting to all of us.
“Our coach, Misbun (Sidek), is now in hospital and we wish him a quick recovery. We also hope to have Rashid (Sidek) back. For now, Teh Seu Bock is coaching Lee Chong Wei. We have asked the players to remain strong.”
On the conditions in the stadium, Rexy was not too pleased but hoped that things would be in order today.
“There were still a lot of activities going on around us. The place is also dusty,” he said. “But we hope the situation will be better. We have the stadium for one more day to ourselves. We will have two training sessions tomorrow and make the best of the situation.”
Yesterday, besides Misbun and Rashid, two players – Wong Mew Choo and Sonia Cheah – also did not turn up for training after falling sick while Tan Chun Seang had to take short breaks during training due to sore throat.
Thomas Cup captain Chong Wei said: “It was good to finally train at the stadium. For now, I am happy that the players are sticking together. In fact, we have requested the team management to minimise all outside activities for us until the Finals are over.”
Malaysia are making a bid to regain the Cup last won at home in 1992. They have been drawn in Group B with Japan and Nigeria. The top two teams in the four-group preliminaries advance to the quarter-finals.
Posted by Lucas Liau
on 9:07 AM.
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