As the Jungle Book quote goes, “You can take the boy out of the jungle, but you can’t take the jungle out of the boy.” Former national badminton player Goh Jin Wei (吴堇溦) was sure she could leave badminton behind her, but clearly the sport is still in her blood.
Jin Wei recently shared that she regretted leaving the badminton scene and wants to play badminton again. However, she clarified that she will not be doing so under the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
The former national player dropped a bombshell in September when she declared her retirement from badminton. Jin Wei cited health issues as her reason for leaving. She added she would be turning her sights on other interests. However, it seems her love for badminton was too great.
“As everyone knows, I quit the national team two months ago. I’ve lived in regret every day since then,” Jin Wei admitted in her YouTube video. “I really wish to continue playing badminton regardless of levels or statuses.” As it turns out, she did make a request to return to the national team and BAM is considering it.
However, Jin Wei clarified that she intends to continue her career as an independent player. “I am deeply honoured to be invited by the national team to re-join them, it’s a huge honour for me to receive this invitation,” she said. But she is uncertain about being able to give them her all. “I (will not be able to) fulfil the requirements and qualifications (to be in) the national team at the moment due to my health issues,” she explained.
The badminton lover added that she doesn’t want to waste BAM’s resources or take away other player’s opportunities. Jin Wei also promised to improve her skills and catch up with her peers after her few months of hiatus from the sport. “We are all contributing to (the) country and (fighting) as a Malaysian regardless of (whether we are part of the) national team or (an) independent player,” she stated. “I will continue to work hard in my career as an independent player first.”
Jin Wei clarified in the comments that she did not reapply to return to BAM. A little ironic, as there were rumours last week of Lee Zii Jia leaving BAM. Either way, we look forward to seeing Jin Wei on court representing Malaysia again!
Check out her video here:
Sources: Badminton Planet, The Star, YouTube
