KUALA LUMPUR: BAM coaching director Rexy Mainaky is happy with the overall progress shown by the national team this year.
With several backup players and pairs winning titles this season, Rexy believes it's only a matter of time before they start challenging their elite teammates.
According to the Indonesian former world and Olympic champion, only the women's singles and doubles department need extra pushing.
Speaking at a press conference organised recently by the national body, Rexy said: "The improvement shown by the backup players bodes well for the national team.
"Of course, we're not at a 100 per cent but it's good progress.
"If these backup players continue showing progress, then we won't need to rely too much on our elites.
"Take men's doubles pair Choong Hon Jian-Haikal Nazri and women's singles Wong Ling Ching.
"We can see the improvement, and I hope this progress continues into the new season."
Hon Jian-Haikal, who were only paired up in August, bagged their maiden World Tour title when they won the Syed Modi International last week in Lucknow, while Ling Ching made the quarter-finals.
Justin Hoh, 19, has also made a successful comeback from an Achilles tendon rupture, and is currently doing well at the Guwahati Masters in India.
"I'd say we're at about 70 per cent.
"The two departments that need to beef up are the women's singles and doubles departments.
"The rest are doing OK, and I'm pleased with the overall progress shown this year," added Rexy.
