PETALING JAYA, May 26 — Two weeks ago, national shuttler Chong Wei Feng was left feeling disappointed after being dropped from the World Championships. 

But Chong is now relieved as he is being deemed the country’s No. 2, behind Lee Chong Wei and the nation’s second biggest hope to qualify for next year’s Olympics in Rio.

The BA of Malaysia’s (BAM) technical director, Morten Frost, said he has long-term plans for Chong, who is currently seeded at No. 32 in the world.

“After the bad news, I sat down with Chong to personally discuss future plans. After talking about our long term plans for him, I would say he’s a much happier player.

“Our plan includes him qualifying for the Olympics and becoming one of the top 16 players in the world,” he said, adding there was no specific medal target for Chong in competition.

According to Frost, there will be at least 14 competitions for Chong, from now until the end of December.

“Please understand the competition schedule is flexible, as we will be evaluating player performances after each tournament before deciding if they will be playing in the next one,” said Frost.

In line with its vision of giving opportunities to younger shuttlers, BAM has opted to go with independent shuttler Zulfaldi Zulkifli to represent Malaysia in the World Championships.

The former world junior champion will accompany Lee to the meet in Jakarta, Indonesia from Aug 10-16.

On the other hand, Frost has confirmed he had just received two additional invites for the World Championships.

“We received invitations for mixed doubles, Wong Fai Yin-Chow Mei Kuan, and women doubles, Lee Meng Yean-Lim Yin Loo.

“We believe the invitations came because other players pulled out from the tournament,” he said.