Forge history, bring back the Thomas Cup, Norza challenges Malaysian shuttlers

KUALA LUMPUR – Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria has challenged the national team to create their own legacy by winning the Thomas Cup, which will take place in Chengdu later this month, ending the country’s 32-year wait.

The Thomas Cup, established in 1949, is the world’s most prestigious men’s team badminton championship, with Malaysia ranking as the third most successful nation in its history.

Despite this, Malaysia has endured a long period of anticipation since its triumphant victory on home soil in 1992, with four subsequent runner-up finishes, the most recent in New Delhi in 2014. 

Hence, Norza hopes to finally break this more than three-decade-long dry spell, ushering in a new era in the country’s badminton history.

Moreover, BAM has pledged substantial rewards exceeding RM1 million for the players should they succeed in ending the nation’s protracted wait for Thomas Cup glory.

“My hope for this Thomas Cup team is to strengthen unity and instil self-belief, believing that they can overcome any team and ultimately try to win the Thomas Cup.

“It is not impossible, if they look at our patriotic spirit, love for the country, and our spirit to uphold our dignity as a major force in world badminton. If they have all these elements, success is within reach.

“I don’t need to say much to (Lee) Zii Jia, Aaron (Chia), and (Soh) Wooi Yik because I trust in their abilities. Whether they rise to the challenge is up to them.

“Regardless of their motivations, I believe they all aspire to leave a lasting legacy in badminton and cement their status as legends. 

“Aaron and Wooi Yik have already shown their potential by becoming world champions, and I’m confident they want to repeat that success,” said Norza after the flag-handing ceremony for the Thomas and Uber Cup team at Akademi Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara today.

At the same time, Norza added that this upcoming Thomas Cup will be his swan song as  BAM president, with his departure scheduled shortly after the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in July.

Since being appointed president in 2017, Norza has made the Thomas Cup one of his priorities, but his aspiration remains unfulfilled.

Originally slated to leave BAM earlier this year, to be succeeded by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh asked him to extend his term temporarily due to his role as co-chair of the Road to Gold elite programme committee.

“As I said, my work as president will end after the Paris Olympics, and I’m currently in the process of transitioning my duties with BAM. This will be my last Thomas Cup and also my last Olympic Games.

“When the minister requested that I extend my term until the Olympics, I agreed, as continuity is crucial for stability, especially when our players have qualified and are prepared. 

“However, after the Olympics, it will be time for me to step aside and hand over the reins to others,” he added. – April 22, 2024