2025-10-03,KUALA LUMPUR

Malaysia are forced to reshuffle their line-up for the World Junior Championships in Guwahati, India from Oct 6-19 after mixed doubles ace Dania Sofea Zaidi suffered an anterior cruciate ligament.

The Johor shuttler sustained the injury while competing in the Inter-state Under-18 Championships in Penang in August. She has undergone surgery and will not play again this year.

Coach Rosman Razak admitted Dania's absence is a blow to the Malaysia team as she was earmarked to play in both women's and mixed doubles.

"She's very important to the team, but since she is not available, somebody has to step up. It's not a replacement, just an opportunity for others to take responsibility," he said today.

Rosman added that the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) and the National Sports Institute (NSI) are overseeing her recovery.

"Her surgery went well and everything is going smoothly with BAM and NSI handling the process. Hopefully she can return sooner than later."

Datu Anif Isaac Datu Asrah will now partner Low Zi Yu in mixed doubles in Guwahati. The pair only started training together a month ago following Dania's injury.

Datu Anif said: "For me, partnering Zi Yu is different from partnering Dania because they each have their own strengths."

"Zi Yu's height allows her to play from the backcourt, and we can switch positions when needed. With Dania, her net play made it easier to build attacks. Both bring their own advantages."

The new pairing may also hold a tactical advantage as their opponents lack scouting data on them.

"I think it can work in our favour, but at the end of the day, the mixed doubles is the same game. We just try our best," Datu Anif added.

Amid the new development, the youngster remains unfazed by expectations. "My target at the World Juniors is to go as far as I can. I just want to enjoy my game and have fun with this new partnership."