KUALA LUMPUR – The Badminton Association of Malaysia’s (BAM) move to exclude women’s doubles duo Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and mixed doubles duo Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei from a retreat before the Paris Olympics has raised eyebrows.
Previously, coaching director Rexy Mainaky announced that all players competing in the Olympics would attend a camp immediately after the Indonesia Open which concluded last week.
Speaking to Scoop, BAM secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh said the retreat camp would only involve Malaysia’s number one men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik.
However, Kenny clarified that Pearly-Thinaah and Tang Jie-Ee Wei will continue their training at Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) because their psychological issues can still be addressed effectively here.
“Regarding Pearly-Thinaah and Tang Jie-Ee Wei, they will continue their training at ABM, Bukit Kiara,” he briefly said.
Despite not being selected to go to the retreat this time, they will still assemble for a pre-Olympic training camp in the Aire Sur La Lys region of northern France, undergoing 10 days of intensive preparation before the world’s largest sporting event commences on July 26th.
Meanwhile, Kenny confirmed that the camp will not be held in Sarawak as planned but instead, Aaron and Wooi Yik will go to Penang.
“This retreat is to help the pair address and sort out any psychological issues they may be facing ahead of the Paris Olympics next month.
At the same time, Kenny added that the programme will take place for the next three days, starting today.
“Yes, (Aaron and Wooi Yik), along with coach Tan Bin Shen, will participate in the programme. Our psychologist Frederick Tan will also be there.
“They won’t be doing any badminton-related activities there as the retreat will be completely focused on strengthening their psychological aspects on the court,” said Kenny when contacted.
Joining the national badminton squad for the Paris Olympics are men’s singles player Lee Zii Jia who is openly aiming for the gold medal, and women’s singles player Goh Jin Wei. – Jun 11, 2024