KUALA LUMPUR: BAM coaching director Wong Choong Hann wants to see his charges fighting for a podium finish at this week's Indonesia International Challenge in Malang.
While acknowledging the tough draw, the former world No 1 reiterated that now is the time for some of the players to prove their worth as the national No 2 and No 3.
Apart from several independent shuttlers including Cheam June Wei, BAM will be represented by seven men's singles players — 2017 Asian junior champion Leong Jun Hao, Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin, Lim Chong King, Shaqeem Eiman Shahyar, Lee Shun Yang, Ong Ken Yon and Jacky Kok.
Choong Hann said: "Yes, it's only an IC tournament but the draw is not easy. This will be the true test for our players.
"The opportunity will be given, but it's up to them to have that self belief to fight for that national No 2 and No 3 spot.
"I want to see them aim for podium finishes. They need to start breaking into the world top 50 and 40 bracket.
"Only then will they be able to join the big league and play at the highest level."
At the moment, Malaysia's highest ranked men's singles is world No 3 Lee Zii Jia followed by national No 1 Ng Tze Yong at world No 35.
Tze Yong, who was initially slated to compete in the International Challenge, will take to the court next week in the Super 100 Indonesia Masters in Malang.
Zii Jia will try to regain his form at the Denmark Open in Odense next week after disappointing outings at the World Championships and Japan Open last month.