{
  "id": 7080633,
  "title": "Rashid reveals why shuttlers will struggle for gold at Asian Games",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/rashid-reveals-why-shuttlers-will-struggle-for-gold-at-asian-games",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-13T08:25:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/badminton/2026/09/1531885/rashid-reveals-why-shuttlers-will-struggle-gold-asian-games"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: Former national player Datuk Rashid Sidek expressed his doubts about Malaysia's badminton squad securing gold at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. The Olympic bronze medallist cited the team's inconsistent performances, injuries, and lack of strong results in the lead-up to the Games as factors that could hinder their chances. However, Rashid highlighted the doubles events as Malaysia's strongest medal hopes, noting that world No. 6 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and scratch pair Aaron Chia-Tee Kai Wun have the potential to finish on the podium. He also mentioned that world No. 5 Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah are medal contenders in women's doubles. Rashid warned that the Asian Games are particularly challenging for badminton, with only two entries allowed per event and the majority of top players hailing from Asia. He urged the shuttlers to play for the flag with pride and give their best effort. The men's singles players Rashid singled out, Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh, as well as the women's singles players K. Letshanaa and Wong Ling Ching, face a tough challenge against the world-class competition in Aichi-Nagoya.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Do Malaysia’s badminton squad have what it takes to end their 20-year Asian Games gold drought in Aichi-Nagoya?",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Virtual taekwondo heads to Asian Games as Singapore representative prepares for debut",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/virtual-taekwondo-heads-to-asian-games-as-singapore-representative",
        "published": "2026-09-12T22:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "NK to begin Asian Games campaign with women's football match",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/nk-to-begin-asian-games-campaign-with-womens-football-match",
        "published": "2026-09-13T11:12:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}