KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 — Malaysia will make their debut in the top division of the World Team Table Tennis Championship when they host the event from Feb 28-March 6 in Shah Alam.

Malaysia will join 110 other countries comprising 96 men’s and 87 women’s teams at Melawati Stadium.

Table Tennis Association of Malaysia (TTAM) president Tan Sri Datuk Koo Yuen Kim said: “Malaysia will participate in the championship division for the first time. 

“We will go up against 23 of the world’s best teams.” 

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Malaysia has yet to finalise its squad for the tournament as it needs to name another two men and two women players.

Those who have already made the cut are Shakiran Ibrahim, Leong Chee Feng and Ashraf Haiqal (men) and Ng Sock Khim, Ho Ying and Amanda Wong Ee Ling (women).

National coach Beh Lee Wei hoped the experience of playing against the best teams would boost the players’ standard.

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“We will take the challenge seriously because such an opportunity is rare,” said the former national player.

“We are hoping for a few pleasant surprises from our players.”

She added Malaysia would train in Zhending, China for three weeks to prepare for the world meet but did not reveal the dates.

The main draw for Division 1, 2 and 3  is on Jan 16.

Separately, Tan said TTAM had no plans to use naturalised players unlike many other countries.

Tan said countries should start raising their own players for competitions instead of relying on foreign imports, especially those from China.

“When we play Australia, South Africa or some European countries you’d notice at least half if not all the players are China imports,” he said.

“We need to be responsible in developing our own players.”

Towards that end, TTAM would give away 500 tickets to schools nationwide in a bid to spark interest among the younger generation.