PETALING JAYA: Men singles shuttler Mohd Hafiz Hashim will get off to a fresh start in his preparation for the Asian Games after the Hari Raya celebration.
The 24-year-old Hafiz has decided to stay at Bukit Jalil – together with the other members of the Asiad team, who are gearing up for the Games, which will be held in Doha from Dec 1-15.
By staying in, he will also train on a regular basis with the national team.
The other men singles in the fray are Lee Chong Wei, Kuan Beng Hong and his elder brother Roslin.
Previously, the requirement for Hafiz was to train twice (two sessions) with the national players. But sometimes, the arrangement varied depending on coach Misbun Sidek's training programme.
Hafiz, who checked into the centralized camp in Bukit Jalil on Friday, said the decision to move base would help him to stay more focused in his preparation for his second Asiad.
"All the facilities – training centre, gymnasium and medical center – are in Bukit Jalil. I aim to improve my physical condition. I do not have to worry about food too. For next one month, I plan to be more focused," said Hafiz.
"But whenever required, I will train at Kelana Jaya (the training centre of the Nusa Mahsuri players). But certainly, there will be more sparring sessions with the national team – right up to the Asiad," he said.
After losing to Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia in the quarter-finals at his debut Asian Games in Busan Games four years ago, Hafiz is determined to win a medal.
(source: TheStarOnline)
