The upcoming BWF World Junior Championships have brought a sense of renewed determination and strategic recalibration within Malaysia’s youth badminton camp. Leading the charge is national junior doubles coach, Hazwan Rosli, who has recently decided to reshuffle several of his doubles pairings in hopes of finding the perfect chemistry ahead of the prestigious event. With the tournament set to showcase the best young talents from across the globe, Coach Hazwan believes that these changes, though risky, could unlock the hidden potential of his players and propel Malaysia to the podium.
For Hazwan, this decision was not made overnight. After several months of evaluation, training sessions, and trial tournaments, the coach felt that the current pairings were not maximizing their full capabilities. The decision to reshuffle — pairing some players with new partners — was based on a combination of tactical needs, personality dynamics, and long-term developmental goals.
“At the junior level, we are still in a phase of discovery,” Hazwan explained. “It’s about finding the right combination of technical skills, temperament, and communication. Sometimes, two talented players don’t necessarily bring out the best in each other. My job is to identify partnerships that complement one another in both style and mentality.”
Strategic Reshuffling A Bold Move Before a Major Championship
Reshuffling pairings before a world championship is always a calculated gamble. On one hand, it can rejuvenate the team and introduce fresh dynamics. On the other, it can disrupt existing chemistry that has taken months to build. But Coach Hazwan’s confidence in his decision stems from careful observation and data-driven analysis. Over the past few months, the national junior squad has participated in several satellite tournaments, including the Bangkok Junior Open and the Indonesia Youth International Series. These events provided valuable insights into how different pairings performed under competitive pressure.
Hazwan noted that while some established duos like Aiman-Zulkifli and Aira-Liyana showed stability, they lacked the aggression and tactical versatility needed against top-tier opponents such as the Japanese and Korean pairs. Meanwhile, newer combinations tested during training matches demonstrated promise, especially in their adaptability and mental resilience.
“It’s not just about winning matches. I’m looking for pairs who can respond positively when the rhythm breaks, when they’re under pressure, or when the match goes to a decider,” Hazwan emphasized. “That mental toughness is what separates good players from great ones.”
Among the new partnerships formed are Aiman teaming up with Danish-trained prodigy Naufal, while Aira will now partner with Shafiqa, a defensive specialist known for her exceptional court coverage. These changes aim to balance aggression and defense, creating more versatile pairings capable of adapting to diverse playstyles.
Understanding the Chemistry Beyond Technique and Tactics
In doubles badminton, chemistry is everything. It goes beyond skills and strategies — it’s about trust, rhythm, and intuition. Two players must operate as a single unit, reading each other’s movements and intentions instinctively. Coach Hazwan Rosli has spent years studying how different personalities and playing styles interact on the court.
“Sometimes the difference between a winning pair and an average one isn’t about power or speed,” Hazwan explained. “It’s about understanding. When one player knows exactly what the other will do — without even looking — that’s when real magic happens.”
This philosophy is reflected in the training regimen he has introduced at the National Badminton Academy. Instead of solely focusing on physical conditioning and technical drills, sessions now include communication exercises, decision-making simulations, and trust-building activities. For instance, players are sometimes blindfolded during certain footwork routines, relying solely on verbal cues from their partner.
Such methods, though unconventional, have shown promising results. Several players have reported better synchronization and an increased sense of unity. Naufal, one of the newly paired players, shared his experience:
“At first, it felt strange. I wasn’t sure if this kind of training would help. But now, I understand that Coach Hazwan wants us to think and move as one. You can’t succeed in doubles if you only play for yourself.”
Analyzing Global Trends Learning from the World’s Best
To strengthen Malaysia’s chances at the World Junior Championships, Hazwan and his coaching team have been meticulously studying the trends among the world’s top junior doubles pairs. Countries like China, Japan, Indonesia, and Korea continue to dominate at this level, largely due to their structured talent development and early emphasis on tactical versatility.
Hazwan has identified a pattern: successful pairs often combine a front-court aggressor with a back-court strategist. The front-court player is typically fast, sharp, and decisive — constantly hunting for opportunities to intercept — while the back-court player provides power, precision, and tactical awareness.
With this model in mind, the reshuffling was designed to create complementary partnerships. For example, Aiman, who is known for his powerful smashes and strong baseline control, is now paired with Naufal, whose reflexes and anticipation at the net are among the best in the squad. Similarly, Aira, who possesses excellent attacking instincts, will benefit from Shafiqa’s defensive stability and calmness under pressure.
“Every successful doubles pair in the world follows this unspoken balance — one creates, one finishes,” Hazwan said. “But to achieve that, both players must understand their roles perfectly. My goal is to help them internalize those roles before we go to the World Juniors.”
The Road to the World Juniors Building Momentum
Preparation for the World Junior Championships has been intense. The national squad has been based in Bukit Kiara for a rigorous six-week training camp, focusing on conditioning, tactical awareness, and mental endurance. Each week, the training intensity increases, simulating the pressure and fatigue players will face during the actual tournament.
The players’ daily schedule includes morning fitness routines, afternoon match simulations, and evening tactical discussions. On weekends, they are often required to play internal tournaments, where new pairings are tested under real-match conditions. Coaches record every match, analyzing rallies frame by frame to identify patterns and areas for improvement.
Hazwan revealed that one of his biggest focuses is ensuring physical and mental sustainability across consecutive matches. “At the World Juniors, players might have to compete for several days straight,” he said. “Endurance, both physical and mental, becomes critical. It’s not enough to start strong; you have to finish strong too.”
This approach has already begun yielding results. During the recent Asia Junior Team Challenge, Malaysia’s doubles teams showed noticeable improvements in coordination and composure. Though they fell short in the semifinals, their performances hinted at a more mature and cohesive style of play — something that Hazwan hopes will peak during the World Juniors.
The Mental Game Preparing for Pressure
One of the most overlooked aspects of youth competition is mental strength. For many young players, the World Junior Championships represent their biggest stage yet. The pressure to perform — both for their country and their careers — can be overwhelming. Hazwan understands this challenge deeply, having once been a national player himself.
He believes that mental preparation is just as important as tactical or technical training. The team now works closely with sports psychologists who specialize in youth development. Sessions focus on breathing techniques, visualization exercises, and emotional regulation during high-pressure moments.
“The goal is not to remove the pressure, but to make the players comfortable with it,” said Hazwan. “Pressure is part of competition. It can either crush you or fuel you — and we want it to fuel us.”
Players like Aira have acknowledged how these sessions have helped them remain composed during tight matches. “I used to get nervous when the score got close,” she said. “Now I’ve learned to breathe, reset, and focus on the next rally instead of thinking about the score.”
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