KUALA LUMPUR – Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz has acknowledged that the national team must confront hard truths and improve urgently after a 3-0 quarter-final defeat to China in the Thomas Cup in Horsens, Denmark yesterday.
The loss brought Malaysia’s campaign to an abrupt end and dashed hopes of lifting the prestigious team trophy, last claimed by the country in 1992.
World number one Shi Yu Qi set the tone for China with a 21-10, 16-21, 21-9 victory over Malaysia’s Leong Jun Hao, ranked 25th globally, in the opening singles match.
In the second game, world number two doubles pair Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik could not maintain a first-game lead, falling 24-22, 21-14 to Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang, giving China a commanding position.
World number seven Li Shi Feng then sealed the outcome with a 21-14, 21-13 win over Justin Hoh, completing a 3-0 sweep for the defending champions.
Tengku Zafrul said the result highlighted the gap Malaysia must bridge.
“This is not the result we hoped for, and there is much that needs to be improved. But this is the reality we must face,” he wrote on social media today.
Despite the defeat, he praised the dedication of fans, particularly those who gathered at Dewan MPAJ in Pandan Indah for a live screening.
“Tonight in Pandan, the hall was still full. The cheers were still there. The spirit was still felt, like watching it live in a stadium,” he said.
“With the presence of legends like Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei and the wholehearted support of the fans, one thing is clear: hope remains, but standards must also be raised.”
He reaffirmed BAM’s commitment to continuous improvement, emphasising that more work lies ahead.
“Our work is not done,” he said.
Malaysia’s last Thomas Cup triumph came in 1992. – May 2, 2026