KUALA LUMPUR – When former international Rashid Sidek competed at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, no one expected him to return with a medal.
However, the then 28-year-old Malaysian defied the odds when he upset the top seed, Joko Suprianto of Indonesia, in the quarter-finals before defeating another Indonesian, Hariyanto Arbi, in the playoffs to win the men’s singles bronze.
Fast forward, Rashid sees how current Malaysian No. 1 Lee Zii Jia could emulate his achievement or even surpass it at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
While acknowledging the importance of player data, especially for analysis and preparation for the Games, Rashid believes the Olympics are not limited to numbers and figures alone.
Speaking to Scoop, the 56-year-old said: “Player data is important, both for players and coaches. As coaches, we use it to study our opponents and to prepare for them. For players, it boosts confidence.
“However, the Olympics are not just about statistics.
“When I competed in the 1996 Olympics, I wasn’t seen as a strong medal contender as my world ranking was outside the top five.
“I didn’t focus too much on winning a medal, as it is expected. Every top athlete aims for a medal.
“I concentrated on my preparation, studied my opponents, and anticipated facing one or two top players in the early rounds. As predicted, I met Joko in the quarter-finals and defeated him in straight games.”
Separately, Rashid tipped China’s world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi and Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen to be the players to watch in Paris.
“Based on current form, Yu Qi and Axelsen are very consistent. They also have the experience.
“However, that doesn’t mean they can’t be beaten. The rest of the top 10 players, including Zii Jia, can spoil their plans,” added Rashid, who strongly believes that the final stages of Olympic preparation are crucial.
If possible, he advised the national athletes bound for the Games to maintain a low profile to avoid unnecessary distractions.
“Times have changed, but we can’t prevent people from making comments or remarks.
“In my time, there was no social media, but newspapers were around. I remember avoiding reading the news to stay focused.
“Sometimes, the public doesn’t understand this. Unnecessary comments can really affect an athlete’s morale and emotions.
“The last thing you want is for an athlete to feel down before a major event,” said Rashid.
Zii Jia, who left the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to turn professional in 2022, is currently undergoing his own training programme with his coach Wong Tat Meng and will depart for Paris on July 21.
World No. 7 Zii Jia is expected to top Group G, as he should face no problem overcoming Spain’s Pablo Abian and Sri Lanka’s Viren Nettasinghe.
However, the former All England champion is slated to meet world No. 9 Anthony Sinisuka Ginting in the last 16.
At the previous Olympics in Tokyo, Zii Jia exited the last 16 stage after losing to China’s Chen Long, who reached the final. – July 16, 2024