MISBUN Sidek, the youth development director of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), is pleased with the performances of his shuttlers in the National Junior Ranking Challenge.
The former men's singles coach is confident that some will follow in the footsteps of retired three-time Olympic silver medallist Lee Chong Wei one day.
"Some players showed character during the ranking tournament. I believe they have the pedigree to become world-class players," said Misbun.
"There are some from the Under-15, Under-16 and Under-18 groups that have potential. However, it is down to us coaches to help them live up to their potential.
"It is too early to give names because while I see potential, there is still a long way for them to go, and we'll have to monitor and access them further.
"When it comes to picking out players with potential, there are five criteria — physical, technical, tactical, mental strength and game sense.
"What we see now is that there are players who have good mental fortitude and intelligent game sense.
"However, physically, they are still a bit weak, and there is still a lot more work to be put into the tactical and technical aspects of their game.
"But it does go without saying that those who finished among the top in this ranking challenge have shown promise, and we need to continue planning out the programmes and strengthening them in preparation for proper competitions in the future."
Misbun also added that whilst the Under-16 to Under-18 age-groups are considered the elite juniors, the emphasis has to be placed on those aged 13-15.
"It is better to keep an eye out on the younger players for development purposes.
"The older players will soon graduate to the senior back-up squad, and they will have players who have a few years ahead of them in the pecking order.
"Thus, we are also focusing on the younger age-groups in order to have a proper transitional pipeline down the road."
At the ranking challenge, 16-year-old Justin Hoh was the most impressive by topping Group A of the boys' singles event.