KUALA LUMPUR – The Chinese New Year’s eve reunion dinner, which features a spread of symbolic dishes, is the highlight of the holiday season.
While it is imperative to cherish moments with family during this celebration, it is equally crucial for athletes to prepare diligently for prestigious sporting events like the upcoming Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC), scheduled to commence on Tuesday at the Setia City Convention Centre in Shah Alam.
In this scenario, national shuttlers strike a balance by allowing themselves a brief respite to partake in the festivities without detracting too much from their preparations.
The country’s players face a formidable challenge ahead, with the men aiming to defend a title they secured two years ago at the same venue, while the women aspire to surpass their previous bronze medal finish.
One of the players leading the women’s challenge is doubles player Teoh Mei Xing, who considers herself fortunate to celebrate this year’s festivities with her family.
“I’ve not been able to celebrate Chinese New Year for three years now. I would always be abroad when the celebrations came around.
“Usually I would be in Iran or India at this time of year but for this season, I feel lucky that the BATC is in Malaysia.
“My family home is in Subang Jaya so I can go home to see my parents and have reunion dinner with them,” the 26-year-old, who is the youngest of four, told reporters when met at Akademi Badminton Malaysia yesterday.
Mei Xing, who has one and a half days off from training, expects her family to be overjoyed by her presence this year.
“After three years of not being able to celebrate, I know my family will be happy to have me home. Finally, I will have time to eat with them, visit some relatives and receive more angpao.
“My mother mentioned that it is hard to get everyone together this year, so she really hopes that we can stay at home,” said Mei Xing.
Meanwhile, Sarawak-born Wong Ling Ching is used to spending the festive season by herself.
With the BATC on the horizon, she believes it is important for every player to have their own preparations for the tournament.
“I only have half a day off since I trained (yesterday) morning and will be back to a full-day schedule (today).
“My coaches asked me how many days I wanted off for Chinese New Year and I told them that there was no need to give me many days off.
“For the last two or three years, I have spent it alone training in Penang and it was during Covid-19 too, so I could not go home even if I wanted to.
“But this year, my family will be joining me here, so I will get to spend time with them,” said the 21-year-old, longing for Sarawak delicacies like laksa Sarawak, mee kolok and kuih momo.
It is a different story with men’s singles player Leong Jun Hao, who has yet to miss celebrating with his family.
“This year it is different because I only have (today) off. In previous years, I would get three days off. I have yet to experience celebrating Chinese New Year abroad.
“Usually we will have a big reunion dinner and will make our way to Bentong on the second day to visit my mother’s side of the family.
“I cherish this time with my family, as it’s the only opportunity I have to be with them,” said the 24-year-old who is the eldest of two. – February 10, 2024