KUALA LUMPUR − Age may be catching up on Chan Peng Soon but the mixed doubles specialist feels that he can still realise his Paris 2024 Olympics dream by returning to the fold of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
The Rio 2016 Olympics silver medallist, who recently split with long-time partner Goh Liu YIng, said the top-notch training facilities at Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara could help him to hit top form again and stay on course for Paris.
“Prior to Tokyo Olympics, I trained at BAM and found the training venue and facilities very comfortable. That is what prompted me to re-join BAM and, for sure, I will fight for a medal in Paris 2024, if possible.
“In BAM, the professional division has physiotherapy, massage and sports science. That can help me to maintain my fitness and perform at a high level in the 2024 Olympics,” he said in a video released by BAM today.
Peng Soon, 33, said that after having won Olympic silver with Liu Ying in Rio, he is now setting his sights on gold in Paris.
The Penang-born player hopes BAM can find him a suitable partner to keep his Olympic hopes alive.
“I don’t look at ranking. To me, the important thing is to be able to work together. If the conditions are right and we can click as a pair, ranking is not a big problem for me (in a bid to qualify for the Olympics),” said Peng Soon, who parted ways with Liu Ying − his partner of 13 years − two days ago.
Peng Soon said he would like to be a role model for young players − apart from spurring them on with words of encouragement − to achieve new competitive heights.
Yesterday, BAM announced the return of Peng Soon to the national team, which he left together with Liu Ying in 2018. – Bernama, December 8, 2021
