Kuala Lumpur: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) said in a statement released on Jan 1, 2019 that Rio 2016 Olympic silver medalists Goh V Shem/Tan Wee Kiong have tendered their resignations and will officially part ways with BAM on January 5, 2019.
“After careful consideration and following discussions with various stackholders, Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has reached the decision to accept the resignations tendered by men’s doubles pair, Goh V Shem/Tan Wee Kiong effective 5 January 2019,” said BAM in the statement.
“BAM would like to place on record sincere appreciation and gratitude to the 2016 Rio Olympic silver medalists for sharing the values, principles and philosophy of the Association during their 17-year tenure with the National team.”
“BAM wish the former World No. 1 pair well as they embark on the next phase of their storied career,”
The pair’s resignation came with no surprise as they have been criticized for their subpar performance over the past two years. Since winning the 2016 Dubai Super Series finals, they’ve failed to defend the Commonwealth Games gold medal in Gold Coast last April and have also been struggling in Thomas Cup, World Championships and the Jakarta Asian Games.
“We are happy with our decision to become professional players, after all, but we are still representing the country,” said Goh V Shem.
“However, we have to seek sponsors to support us for at least two years so that we can achieve our goals to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics,” added Goh.
“We still do not have a coach yet, and we are hoping to finalize everything soon. Nevertheless, we are happy to have made this decision.”
