The 1996 Atlanta Olympics bronze medallist and member of the glorious Thomas Cup winning squad in 1992 said a number of players, namely singles ace Lee Zii Jia, are capable of ending Malaysia’s wait for a title at the World Championships.

“Zii Jia is probably in the best physical condition to challenge for the title, especially after watching him win both his matches with relative ease. I hope he can continue the momentum.

“I also hope that all players in the Malaysian squad will be able to rise to the occassion,” he said.

Malaysia has come close before, winning silver eight times at the World Championships.

Former singles ace Lee Chong Wei remains the country’s most successful shuttler at the tournament with three silver medals in 2011, 2013 and 2015.

His fourth silver medal won in 2014 was withdrawn for an alleged doping offence.

He also won bronze in 2005.

Apart from Chong Wei, Wong Choong Hann is the other singles player to reach a final in 2003.

Malaysian shuttlers have also won four silver medals from the men’s doubles competition, namely through the pairs of Razif Sidek-Jailani Sidek (1987), Cheah Soon Kit-Soo Beng Kiang (1993), Cheah Soon Kit-Yap Kim Hock (1997) and Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong (2010).

Zii Jia is spearheading the country’s challenge this year after marching into the third round along with compatriots Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik (men’s doubles), Pearly Tan-M Thinaah (women’s doubles) and Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie (mixed doubles).

Rashid is also optimistic that the current squad can end the country’s 30 year wait for the Thomas Cup.

Malaysia won the Thomas Cup in 1949, 1952, 1955, 1967 and 1992.

“The euphoria of winning the Thomas Cup remains fresh in my mind even after so many years … I hope with the current set of players, we can make new memories by winning again. We must be physically and mentally prepared to mount a serious challenge,” he said.