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THE national badminton squad's mission to end a long 34-year wait to lift the prestigious Thomas Cup officially begins in Horsens, Denmark, on Saturday.
The last time Malaysia was crowned champion was in the 1992 edition in Kuala Lumpur, and this 2026 edition will be a platform for the national players to prove their capabilities.
National Doubles Coaching Director, Rexy Mainaky, said that all the players are at their best with the help of the seven-day preparation camp held in Herning, Denmark.
"Overall, we hope that all the players can continue the morale and motivation that has been built throughout the seven days of preparation in Herning.
"We also hope that when we arrive in Horsens, especially before the first match against England, the same spirit will still be there to give the best to the team.
"Whoever is given the responsibility to play, morally and mentally, they are all ready," he said.
Malaysia, who were drawn in Group B with Asian giants, Japan and two European representatives, England and Finland, are seen as having a bright chance of finishing in the top two, thus qualifying for the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, National Individual Coaching Director Kenneth Jonassen, also stressed the importance of player rotation strategies to ensure the squad's freshness throughout the tournament.
"It is very important that we allow as many players as possible to play before arriving at the more critical matches,” he added. – April 25, 2026
