First the not-so-good news: para-badminton players Cheah Liek Hou and Didin Taresoh won't be allowed to train at Tokyo's Yoyogi National Stadium until the day of the competition on Sept 1. And even that is limited to just an hour of practice.
However, Liek Hou and Didin are no strangers to the Yoyogi venue.
For Liek Hou, it was at Yoyogi National Stadium that he won the SU5 title at the Japan Para International two years ago. Didin reached the SH6 quarter-finals.
"Our two players have the experience of playing at the venue, and that will come in handy for them," said Rashid Sidek who had accompanied Liek Hou and Didin to the Japan Para International on a voluntary basis when he was the Sports Affairs club head coach,
Rashid said the Yoyogi Stadium is currently being used for other Paralympics events, but he felt that even one session would be enough for Liek Hou and Didin to get adapted to the condition there.
"Since the other shuttlers also get a single slot for training at the stadium, there is no advantage for anyone.
"The schedule is not out yet but the events will most likely start in the evening on Sept 1."
He said the two para-shuttlers are in high spirits after their first court session at a training centre in Tokyo yesterday.
"We had a good two-hour training today, and this arrangement will go on until Aug 31. The players are in high spirits, and it is not a problem for us to wait for our session at the Yoyogi Stadium," said Rashid..
Liek Hou has a favourable path in the group stage while Didin faces a tougher one.
Liek Hou is in Group B, avoiding main rivals from Indonesia, top seed Dheva Andimusthi and Suryo Nugroho, who are in Group A.
"Liek Hou should be able to secure his semi-final spot without much trouble. But he should not take things for granted," said Rashid.
However, the 46-year-old Didin will have to battle it out with medal contenders Krishna Nagar of India and Vitor Goncalves Tavares of Brazil in Group B for a place in the last four.
"Krishna and Tavares are ranked higher and stronger. Being the underdog, Didin has nothing to lose and should give his best shot," Rashid added.
"The pressure is on his opponents and Didin just needs to remain calm and play his normal game."
