REIGNING champions India will once again be Malaysia’s biggest threat in the badminton mixed team event at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the United Kingdom, next month.

As India are hot favourites to clinch top spot in the quadrennial games, Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky said the national squad, who were the runners-up in Gold Coast 2018, would surely work their socks off to wrest the gold medal from India.

“BAM plans to send the best squad for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham,” he told Bernama when contacted.

On paper, India looked more formidable this time around, as they can rely on their male players such as Lakshya Sen as well as main doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty to help them retain the gold medal.

They helped India to a historic first Thomas Cup title in Bangkok last May.

India can also count on their top women’s shuttler Pusarla V. Sindhu, who is ranked seventh in the world, should they decide to field her in the Games.

Although BAM has yet to announce their final squad, judging by Rexy’s desire to send only the best to Birmingham, Malaysia should field their top men’s singles Lee Zii Jia, 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games men’s doubles bronze medallists Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and world no. 10 women’s doubles pair of Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah to mount a strong challenge in Birmingham.

The national team had been winners since the Melbourne 2006 edition until India emerged as the new champions in Gold Coast 2018.

In Birmingham, Malaysia have been drawn against South Africa, Jamaica and Zambia in Group 4 while India are in Group 1 with Australia and Sri Lanka.

Hosts England will be facing Singapore, Mauritius and Barbados in Group 2 while Group 3 comprises Canada, Scotland, Maldives and Uganda.

The 2022 Commonwealth Games will be held from July 28 to August 8. – Bernama, June 6, 2022.