Barred Russian squad keep fire burning on M'sian courts under Tan

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PETALING JAYA: Russian shuttlers are keeping themselves sharp while finding comfort far from home.

After nearly three years without competitive action, the spirit of the Russian national badminton squad remain undimmed as they set up base in Malaysia.

A group of 12 players began training in Kuala Lumpur on Monday (Aug 18) with the doubles team stationed in Sri Petaling, sparring with professional players under the guidance of Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist Tan Wee Kiong.

The singles players, meanwhile, are training at Sports Affairs in Cheras alongside para badminton star Cheah Liek Hou and former world junior champion Goh Jin Wei.

For Russia's national coach Victor Malyutin (pic), the stint is part of efforts to keep his players fit and motivated as they are still barred from competing internationally following the Badminton World Federation's (BWF) suspension of Russia in 2023.

The ban came in the wake of the political crisis triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

"Malaysia is a great badminton country with players of a very high level. We also have good contacts here, so it is comfortable and convenient for us to come," said Malyutin.

"We chose to train here because we are unable to compete in international tournaments at the moment. For us, this is a valuable experience and good practice.

"We brought eight players, including singles and four doubles players. Among them are Alina Davletova, the 2021 European mixed doubles champion, and Evgenia Kosetskaya, the 2019 European Championships women's singles silver medallist," said Malyutin at Sri Petaling, Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

He also sees the opportunity for his players to spar with several professionals as a good test of their abilities after being out of the international circuit for so long.

During the ban, the players had to rely solely on domestic tournaments in Russia to hone their skills.

So far, only two players - Rodion Alimov and Maksim Ogloblin - were cleared in June to compete in BWF-sanctioned tournaments as individual neutral athletes.

"I hope all these issues can be resolved so that our Russian players can return to international tournaments," said Malyutin.

"For our training here, we have Wee Kiong, an Olympic medallist, and others. They are great players and very strong, so we are trying to do our best.

"Wee Kiong is also helping me run the training sessions, which is a big plus."

"It's very good for us and we are trying to make the most of this opportunity," added Malyutin.