KUALA LUMPUR — National women’s doubles player Cheng Su Hui admitted to feeling pressure as new coach Rosman Razak begins evaluating the team but remains determined to keep her dreams of representing the country alive.
The evaluation process will involve several players from the current senior squad, including Teoh Mei Xing, Go Pei Kee, Lee Xin Jie, Tan Zhing Yi, Amanda Yap, Chan Wen Tse, Chong Jie Yu, Vanessa Ng, Vannee Gobi, Ong Xin Yee, and Carmen Ting.
The goal is to ensure that current players have the right mindset and are working to close the performance gap with Malaysia’s top doubles pair, Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah.
This has created some concern for Su Hui, as she fears that failing to impress Rosman could result in her following the path of other players recently let go by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
Just last month, BAM released 13 players, including two women’s doubles players, Anna Cheong and Low Yeen Yuan.
“When coach Rosman was with BAM previously, I was still in the junior squad, so I didn’t have the chance to train under him.
“Now, with evaluations underway for the women’s doubles squad, I do feel some pressure. But I’m determined to give my very best and train hard, so I’m not overly worried about it,” she said.
Su Hui acknowledged a bit of fear about possibly being dropped but emphasised her passion for badminton.
“Here at BAM, the facilities are excellent, and I don’t have to worry about anything other than focusing on training.
“If I’ve given my absolute best and still get dropped, it’s okay, at least I won’t have any regrets because I tried my hardest. Perhaps I’m just not the right fit here or for badminton,” she added.
Su Hui recalled how happy and proud she felt when first offered the chance to train at BAM.
“My dream was to be here and train, and now I’ve achieved one of my goals. Of course, I don’t want anyone to take this dream away from me.”
Since winning a bronze medal with her twin, Cheng Su Yin, at the Cambodia SEA Games last year, she hasn’t seen much success on the court.
In contrast, Su Yin has made a stronger impression, pairing with Hoo Pang Ron in mixed doubles.
Su Hui hopes to follow in her sister’s footsteps, and with the Malaysia International Series beginning tomorrow in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, she sees this as the perfect opportunity to prove herself.
Teaming up with Xin Jie, Su Hui has received a bye in the first round and will face the pairing of Arunnah Siva and Sivabalan Mahalexcmi in the second round. — November 11, 2024