KUALA LUMPUR – Goh Chak Whee, the father of Malaysia’s badminton darling Goh Liu Ying, is proud of his daughter’s achievements throughout her two-decade career as a national mixed doubles player.
The 65-year-old could barely hold back his tears while sharing the former Olympic silver medallist’s best career moments with the media at her special farewell hosted by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) today.
He recalled pulling then 3-year-old Liu Ying to sit by his side to watch the Olympic Games badminton match on the television.
“I got her to watch her first badminton Olympic Games when she was three years old,” he said.
“I tried explaining to her the rules of the sport, but she could not understand anything.
“She sat by me regardless, from start to finish, despite not getting what the game was all about.”
Because of his daughter’s curiosity, Chak Wee said he was inspired to bring Liu Ying to live badminton matches, apart from watching them on television.
The father of three also expressed his bittersweet feelings about no longer having the chance to see his eldest child, who is 33, perform on the court.
“I feel very sad that I would no longer have the chance to see her compete, but I am proud to see all the things she has achieved.
“I was speechless…when I saw her stepping onto the podium at the 2016 Olympics.
“I was already proud that she got to represent the country, but winning a medal at the Olympics was more than enough.
“The time has come for her to retire. At least I am relieved that I do not have to worry about her injuries after this,” said Chak Whee, who is Liu Ying’s number one supporter.
Liu Ying made history as the only women’s badminton player to win an Olympic medal for Malaysia.
She was partnered with Chan Peng Soon when they won a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, making them the first and only Malaysia’s mixed doubles duo to do so.
The Malaysia Open would be her final stop as a badminton player.
Liu Ying’s special farewell was hosted in conjunction with the Super 1000 event held at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
She was joined by her family members, loyal fans as well as former coaches Rosman Razak, Chin Eei Hui, and Jeremy Gan.
Some of her closest friends, partner Chan Peng Soon, former world number one men’s doubles Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong, Paralympics gold medallist Cheah Liek Hou, and American women’s singles shuttler Zhang Beiwen paid tribute to her career in a three-by-three exhibition match.
Earlier, BAM secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh delivered a moving speech to thank her for her contributions to the national badminton industry.
Speaking to the media after the event, Liu Ying thanked BAM for “organising such an amazing event for me today”.
“It is a bit emotional for me, as this will be the last time I play at the Axiata Arena as a (professional) player.” – The Vibes, January 14, 2023
