Women's singles players given 6 months to break into world's top 32

KUALA LUMPUR: Breaking into the world's top 32 within six months has been set as the benchmark for Malaysia's women's singles shuttlers as BAM focuses on structured, long-term development rather than short-term results.

Women's singles head coach Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin said the target applies to both world No. 42 K. Letshanaa and world No. 43 Wong Ling Ching, with the first half of the season viewed as a crucial phase in establishing consistency on the international circuit.

"For the first six months, we are targeting both of them to break into the top 32," said Iskandar.

"From there, we will adjust their tournament schedule after those six months."

Iskandar stressed that progress must be measured step-by-step, with expectations managed carefully as the players continue their development.

"My expectations for both of them are not too high for now because we are focusing on bigger targets later.

"What's important is that they stay patient and trust the process.

"In terms of mentality, I don't want them to feel like they have already reached the top level.

"We are still in a process, and we must believe that this process takes time," said Iskandar.

Ling Ching's recent breakthrough, including upset wins over players like Canada's world No. 13 Michelle Li, and Indonesia's world No. 14 Gregoria Mariska Tunjung has boosted confidence within the squad, but Iskandar remains cautious.

"It has helped a lot. Her career has had ups and downs, but now she is starting to take bigger steps forward.

"Still, I don't want to put too much pressure on her because the journey is long and her game still needs sharpening."

While technically confident in his players' abilities, Iskandar identified physical condition as the main gap separating them from the world's elite.

"Technically, I believe we are already there. But physically, we are still about 30 per cent behind.

"Because of that, we sometimes lose patience in our tactical and technical execution during matches."

That physical shortfall, he explained, often affects decision-making and consistency in longer encounters, making endurance a key focus area, particularly for Letshanaa.

"It's not that Letshanaa isn't strong, she is. In the gym, she can do everything.

"It's her endurance during the match that needs improvement, and our training programme must be precisely adjusted for that," said Iskandar.