KUALA LUMPUR – Fully aware of the challenges they must face as professional athletes, Malaysia’s men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani are determined to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Fresh from their victory at the Japan Open last week, where they clinched their first Super 750 title, Sze Fei and Izzuddin officially embarked on their journey as independent players today, following their departure from the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) last month.
Speaking to Scoop, Sze Fei acknowledged the difficulties ahead but expressed their readiness to pursue higher achievements.
“Izzuddin and I know the challenges of being independent players will be tough, but we are ready to learn.
“Together with coach Rosman Razak, Teo Kok Siang, and the rest of the professional doubles players, we will continue to work hard to achieve our targets.
“For now, our focus remains the same: to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Our short-term goal is to break into the world top 10 this year,” he said.
Sze Fei and Izzuddin are currently ranked 12th in the world.
Meanwhile, former international Rosman, who has been coaching professional players for the last two years, admitted that it will take some time for Sze Fei and Izzuddin to fully adjust to their new status as independents.
“Today was only their first day training alongside other professional players. Understandably, adjusting to the new system, environment, and training style will be new to them. Hopefully, they will soon adapt to life as independent players,” said Rosman.
The other independent doubles players training with them include world number 23 Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi, as well as mixed doubles pairs Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Lai, and Tan Kiang Meng and Lai Pei Jing.
Sze Fei and Izzuddin’s next tournaments are the Hong Kong Open next week (September 10-15), and the Super 1000 China Open the week after (September 17-22). – September 2, 2024