The Asian Games men’s team is set to go down as a fiercely contested affair, with almost every big name showing up at this rescheduled edition in Hangzhou, China.
The draw is not out yet, but Malaysia will have their work cut out for them if they are scheduled to face any of the big guns, especially the seeded nations.
Here's a closer look at some of the favourites who could go the distance.
China
Of the team who won gold at the previous edition, Shi Yu Qi and Liu Yu Chen are the only names who remain for the defending champions on home turf.
In the men’s singles, world number six Shi remains a formidable shuttler and should give anyone massive problems if he turns up on form.
All-England champion Li Shi Feng is another top 10 threat in the men’s singles, and in the men’s doubles, there are Liu Yuchen-Ou Xuanyi and recent China Open champions Liang Wei Keng-Wang Chang.
Indonesia
The four-time team champions are never short on quality when it comes to team events as they enter as the top seeds.
The men’s singles consist of world number two Anthony Ginting and recent Hong Kong Open winner Jonatan Christie.
World number one pair Fajar Alfian-Rian Ardianto toe the line in the men’s doubles, while Daniel Marthin-Leo Rolly Carnando are chosen ahead of three-time world champions Hendra Setiawan-Mohammad Ahsan.
Indonesia have listed out winning gold for the men’s team event, and with the talents in tow, they are one of the tougher opponents to take down.
Japan
The big news from this contingent is the withdrawal of former world number one Kento Momota due to injury.
Momota’s absence, however, is unlikely to have a major impact on the team due to his poor form this season.
Instead, Japan can rely on new star Kodai Naraoka who is capable of enduring massive marathon matches.
Momota’s spot is taken by Koki Watanabe, while Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi is expected to get the business done in the men’s doubles, along with Akira Koga-Taichi Sato.
India
Lakshya Sen recently declared the Thomas Cup champions as one of the favourites to win the team event in Hangzhou.
Such is the confidence of the youngster, who will not compete in the individual event after he lost out to K. Srikanth in the national selection trials last year.
But the men’s singles man on form is H.S.Prannoy, who won the Malaysia Masters and most recently upset Viktor Axelsen at the World Championships.
The men’s doubles has Asian Championships winners Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty and Dhruv Kapila-M.R.Arjun.
