KUALA LUMPUR: Shuttler Justin Hoh is aiming for a golden finish at the World Junior Championships in Santander, Spain, next month.
But first, the 18-year-old wants to do well in his immediate two assignments — India (Aug 23-28) and Malaysia (Sep 6-11) Junior International Series — before the world juniors from Oct 17-30.
To assist in his quest for a podium finish in Spain, the BA of Malaysia (BAM) have placed the Kuala Lumpur-born under the senior squad for a week-long training stint.
Speaking to the press today, Justin said: "The training intensity of the senior squad is definitely tough, but I'm doing my best to follow them as closely as possible.
"I really appreciate my seniors for welcoming and guiding me. There is a lot of respect all around.
"After my one-week training stint, I will head to India and then back to Malaysia, where I will be playing in two junior events.
"My target is to make the podium in both events. It will give me the confidence, if I do, to mount a strong challenge for a medal at the world juniors."
Justin, who won the National Under-21 Championships, Bonn International and the Croatia Open this season, is unfazed by the uncertainty posed by several top nations like China, Japan and South Korea, who have not sent their players out for competition the last two years due to Covid-19.
Malaysia are in Group A with top seeds Indonesia, Sweden and Latvia in the Suhandinata Cup (world junior mixed team championships), which will kick start the world junior meet.
"I am ready to face anybody. I can only focus on my own preparation and do my best.
"The mixed team draw is tough because we have to face Indonesia. However, our target remains the same — to beat them and qualify for the knockout stage," added Justin.
Only the top teams from each of the eight groups will qualify for the quarter-finals.
BAM have set a one-gold target for the world junior meet, with Justin high on the list to achieve it.
