IT is going to be mission impossible for Malaysia in the semi-finals of the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea next month.
In the men’s draw which was conducted yesterday, Malaysia were seeded fourth behind top seeds China, Indonesia and Japan respectively.
The men’s team received a bye in the first round will either face Macau or Mongolia in the quarter-finals.
BA of Malaysia (BAM) secretary Ng Chin Chai said: “We got a favourable draw, and it should not be impossible to meet the target set by the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) which is to win a bronze in the men’s team event.
“We are lucky enough to face a lesser established team in the opening tie, and we will do our best against China in the semi-final.
“It has been proven that it is not impossible to beat China. Japan has done it at the Thomas Cup Finals in May, and we will also do our best for an upset.
“The China team is definitely stronger with the inclusion of Lin Dan and doubles shuttler Cai Yun, but we will hope for the impossible.”
The women’s team, however, face a daunting task as they take on defending champions China in the last eight.
“There is no expectation for the women’s team, but we will play to our best ability. Winning a point from the tie would be a great feat,” added Chin Chai.
OCM has set a target of two silver (men’s singles and doubles) and a bronze medal for the national badminton team.
At the 2010 Games in China, Malaysia won two silver through World No 1 Lee Chong Wei and doubles duo Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong.