Improve yourselves to be reinstated, says Chong Wei

PETALING JAYA: Don’t lose heart.

This is the message from badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei (pic) for professional mixed doubles pairs Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie and Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing after they were dropped from the Road to Gold (RTG) programme yesterday due to poor form.

The writing’s had been on the wall for professionals world No. 14 Soon Huat-Shevon, and Kian Meng-Pei Jing (22) due to their struggles on the international stage throughout the year.

Soon Huat-Shevon’s form dipped drastically since reaching the Asian Championships semi-finals in Dubai in April where they have lost in 13 tournaments in the preliminary rounds. Their only best show was a semi-final finish in Hong Kong in September.

Kian Meng-Pei Jing’s performance had also taken a massive dive as they only reached the China Open semis in September while losing in the preliminary rounds of 16 other tournaments.

Chong Wei, who is one of the members of the committee, said both pairs still had the chance to get reinstated if they could improve their results in the run-up to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“Soon Huat-Shevon and Kian Meng-Pei Jing should not give up as the Olympic qualification is until May next year and they can still fight back to regain their spot in the RTG programme,” said Chong Wei.

“Since they are professional pairs, they are still accorded sports science services (physiotherapy and rehabilitation) but they will not get the monetary allowances.

“Although being top 10 in the world is the main criteria for selection, badminton has been given a bit of room as the qualifying scenario is different.

“This is why Ng Tze Yong, who is No. 15, and Lee Zii Jia (No. 11) are part of the programme as their ranking can shoot up in the coming months into the top eight and both may also qualify for the Olympics.”

The other shuttlers part of the programme are men’s doubles pairs Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik (No. 2) and Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi (No. 12), women’s doubles Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah (No. 12) and mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei (No. 10).

Zii Jia however, remained the enigma as he was the only player who has yet to sign his commitment agreement (contract) which enables the athletes to enjoy the perks from the programme.Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has reminded Zii Jia that no athlete was an exception from signing the commitment agreement.

“In terms of ranking and performance, Zii Jia has shown improvement. The contract is to record their acceptance into the RTG programme and they should also play their part by cooperating with us and meeting regularly with the coordinator,” said Hannah.

“I would really appreciate it if Zii Jia can put that as a matter of priority now in the next two weeks to get the contract signed.

“All the others, including Azizulhasni (Awang) and Pandelela (Rinong) have signed. It is their commitment. We have helped them and they should have some kind of commitment to be given back to the government.”

RTG programme coordinator Datuk Stuart Ramalingam confirmed that a Nov 14 deadline has been provided for Zii Jia to sign the agreement to ensure his continued presence in RTG.

Meanwhile, the latest inclusion in the RTG programme is weightlifter Aniq Kasdan as he is currently ranked 10th in the world in the men’s below 61kg.