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Physical trainer Roesdi right man to help Ng Tze Yong, says Lee Chong Wei

Not many would recognise the name Mohd Roesdi Ab Ghani, but he meant the world to former world No. 1 badminton player, Datuk Lee Chong Wei.

Formerly with the National Sports Institute, Roesdi worked with Lee for more than 12 years, helping him reach the pinnacle of the sport.

Roesdi is now helping train Ng Tze Yong ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, from July 21 to Aug 11.

“There is no one I trust more than Abang Roesdi with my fitness and conditioning,” said Lee, who added that local trainers were just as good as foreigners.

“I was offered foreign expertise and sports scientists, but always rejected them, as I was comfortable with him.

“Because Abang Roesdi understands badminton, he knew what was best for my body and what I needed to do to reach the top. I am happy he is helping Ng.”

Lee said it may take some time before Roesdi’s methods bear fruit, but he was confident that Ng would benefit from training with him.

“It is an Olympic year. We must do all we can to win a gold medal,” said Lee, a three-time Olympic silver medallist.

“I have faith in our badminton team and Abang Roesdi. He can make Ng a better player.”

Ng, who is preparing for next week’s Malaysia Open, admitted he has improved his strength and physicality since he began training with Roesdi late last year.

Speaking to the media today, Ng said: “I feel stronger, as I have been focusing more on fitness, and building strength in the past two months.

“Previously, I used to get tired if I reached the quarterfinals. I used to lose in the early rounds. But now, I feel better when I go further in more tournaments.

“It is a work in progress, but I feel I am on the right track.”

BAM coaching director Rexy Mainaky said he was pleased with the progress shown by Ng in the past two months.

“Badminton players need strength in their legs. That is something Ng has worked hard on in the past few months. If your legs are weak, it will affect your performance,” said the former world and Olympic champion.

“We have six months until the Olympics. We will continue working with Roesdi. He comes highly recommended, and I can see the improvement in Ng already.”

Separately, Rexy said he hopes to see a Malaysian win a title on home soil, but the main target was to get as many players to qualify for the Paris Olympics.

The Malaysia Open is the season opener of the new Badminton World Federation season.

The qualification period for the Paris Olympics ends on April 30.