The five national shuttlers dropped by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) pleaded to be funded one final time for the upcoming European circuit to boost their chances of making the Tokyo Olympics cut.
On Sunday, the BAM announced that Soniia Cheah (women’s singles), Vivian Hoo (women’s doubles) and mixed doubles shuttlers Goh Soon Huat, Shevon Lai and Lai Pei Jing were dropped from the national team due to unsatisfactory performances.
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The unexpected cut left the shuttlers in limbo, with time running out to secure funding to compete in the new season and stand a fighting chance to make it to the Olympics.
Cheah, who is a shoo-in to qualify for the Olympics by virtue of the highest ranked Malaysian (18th) on the Race To Tokyo rankings, pleaded with the national body to look into their plight.
Shevon, who is very much in contention to qualify with Goh in 11th spot, asked for the national body to fund their European trip at least.
“Our names have already been registered. We still have a shot at qualifying for the Olympics. I’ve sent an appeal letter to BAM to fund us just for the Europe trip,” she told The Star.
Several national independent shuttlers in the past spoke about their struggles to secure funding to compete in a congested badminton season.
The shuttlers, besides finding for their own sponsors, must also handle logistical aspects of the tournaments like making flight and hotel arrangements on their own.
With the pandemic curtailing many sectors, potential sponsors are penny wise and would size up their returns before investing.
For Cheah and the mixed doubles shuttlers, time is against them.
The European circuit will start with the Swiss Open (March 2nd-7th), German Open (March 9th-14th) and the All-England Championships (March 17th-21st).
