While some are gearing up for the peak of their career in badminton, like the Pearly-Thinnah duo, others feel it is time to take a final bow. A few days ago, national team’s mixed doubles player Peck Yan Wei revealed she was leaving BAM. Now, another follows in her footsteps.
Another national mixed doubles player Chan Peng Soon (陈炳顺) is also taking his leave from the national team. Today (4th November), Peng Soon revealed that he had submitted his resignation to the Badminton Association Malaysia (BAM). He will be officially retired from the team by the end of November.
“I’ve tendered my application to Dato’ Kenny Goh Chee Keong, General Secretary of BAM yesterday,” the 34-year-old shuttler stated. “(I’m) officially quitting the Malaysian national badminton team in late November.” According to Peng Soon, his goals and direction as a national athlete have never changed. “However, considering my age and physical condition, I need different training methods and strategies,” he said.
Peng Soon also shared that while he was grateful for being welcomed back into the fold eleven months ago, he also felt now was the time to go. “It’s clear that the national team is a cradle for cultivating more young players,” he wrote. “(So,) after careful consideration, (I) chose to withdraw from the national team. (I) hope to leave more resources for (my) younger teammates.”
The shuttler then thanked the President of BAM Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Mohamad Norza Zakaria for nurturing him as a national player and for giving him the opportunity to share experiences with his teammates. He also took care to thank the Doubles Director of Coaching, Rexy Ronald Mainaky, and mixed doubles head coach, Teo Kok Siang for their guidance and support. “I will continue to grow my badminton career in a new direction,” Peng Soon promised.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CkhkmMDphux/?hl=en
Additionally, Peng Soon’s current partner, Cheah Yee See has also decided to withdraw from the national team. But, BAM coach Rexy Ronald is still optimistic about being able to cultivate a new team for the 2024 Olympics. “If we can’t make it to 2024, we can make it to 2028,” he reportedly said. “Because we have a lot of young players.”
We wish Peng Soon all the best as he decides a new direction for his badminton career. We sincerely hope it will be as fulfilling and enjoyable as his time with the national team!
Sources: Instagram, Malay Mail
