KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's men's team campaign ended with a 3-0 defeat to superior Japan at the Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) in Qingdao, China, on Friday. Nonetheless, the encouraging performance of the young squad will offer fresh options for the Thomas Cup challenge in May. National singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen conceded that Malaysia were unable to challenge a powerful Japan team. "The players' support and team spirit have been strong, and clear team camaraderie has been displayed." 5 and are in a strong position to claim their spot at the 16-team Thomas Cup in Horsens, Denmark.

Source: New Strait Times February 06, 2026 14:45 UTC