Sukma badminton champion Haziq eyes national team recall

Selangor's Haziq Najib claimed the men's singles title at the Selangor Malaysia Games (Sukma) on Monday, setting his sights on a return to the national badminton team. The 21-year-old demonstrated his resilience as the match's momentum swung back and forth, ultimately defeating Negri Sembilan's Ayu Fu Sheng 21-12, 15-21, 21-15 in the final held at the Setia City Convention Centre.

Haziq expressed surprise at his victory, noting that the draw featured players from the current national team, including Fu Sheng who had defeated Perak's Eogene Ewe in the previous round.

Haziq, who currently trains with the New Vision Badminton Academy, stated that he was grateful to win and proud of his achievement for Selangor. He explained that in the deciding game, once he had taken the lead, he focused on maintaining the gap until the end. Kedah's Kee Is Qian secured the bronze medal after defeating teammate Chong Lee Qian 21-13, 21-17.

Haziq, a former member of the national youth squad in 2022, mentioned that he had applied for a trial with the national team last year but did not receive an offer. He is now determined to give it another shot, stating that a coach had come to watch during the early rounds and expressed interest in seeing him during the trials in September.

Haziq plans to attend the trials this year and give his best effort. In the women's singles final, Melaka's Siti Zulkaikha Azmi emerged victorious over Federal Territories' Lee Kay Xin 21-12, 21-15, fulfilling expectations and remaining calm despite the pressure as the top seed and oldest player in the competition. Perak's Lee Mun claimed the bronze medal by defeating Selangor's Eng Ler Qi 21-17, 21-17.