KUALA LUMPUR – National professional badminton player Goh Jin Wei secured the perfect boost in her quest to earn a ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympics after extending her sponsorship contract with Li-Ning Malaysia until the end of next year.
The 23-year-old women’s singles shuttler became a Li-Ning ambassador last year after leaving the national squad in September 2021 to become a professional.
In a statement issued by Li-Ning and Sunlight Group today, they said sponsoring the two-time world junior champion was the right move as she has been performing exceptionally over the past 12 months.
Jin Wei, who previously struggled with chronic constipation problems that required bowel surgery in 2019, made an impressive comeback by claiming the runner-up title at the Vietnam Open and reaching the semi-finals of the Italian International Challenge.
Consistent performances throughout the 2022 season, including six quarter-final appearances, allowed Jin Wei to jump from 128th in April to the top 32 in the world rankings, giving her full access to all World Tour competitions.
The Penang-born shuttler, who is currently ranked 31st in the world, said the sponsorship contract extension made it possible for her to have the chance to qualify for the upcoming Olympics.
“This contract extension really comes at the right time because the qualifying competition will start in May. With Li-Ning’s solid support, I can fully focus on my mission to qualify for the Olympics without having to worry about financial matters,” said Jin Wei.
“The next challenge for me is to sharpen the quality of my game and hopefully be able to close the gap with the best players in the world.
“Most importantly, I hope to stay healthy and free from injury.”
Meanwhile, Li-Ning also welcomed the participation of its three newest recruits, namely independent doubles players Low Hang Yee-Ng Eng Cheong and coach Rosman Razak.
Hang Yee-Eng Cheong joined when he was in the national squad and emerged as the runner-up in the Malaysia International Challenge and the Laos International Challenge in 2019.
Rosman, on the other hand, recently returned to his homeland after managing the Philippines national team.
He replaced Chin Eei Hui to coach a group of professional doubles players including world No. 8 pair Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, who is also a protege of Li-Ning.
Sunlight Group brand marketing head Teah Yann Ling hopes the sponsor will help players and coaches to develop their careers and realise their dreams.
“The decision to extend Jin Wei’s contract was easy for us. She has put in a lot of effort and managed to recover in such a short period of time. Her next goal is to qualify for the Olympics and of course we want to continue to support her,” said Yann Ling.
“As for Hang Yee-Eng Cheong, we are also called to extend support to them. After leaving the national squad, they need a platform to start.
“We also realise how important it is for the coach to guide the players in their role to keep them on the right track. So, we brought in Rosman who is definitely the best candidate to replace Eei Hui.”
Li-Ning’s extended family also consists of former national players namely Tan Boon Heong, Goh Liu Ying and Woon Khe Wei. – The Vibes, February 9, 2023
