Kuala Lumpur: Chow Mei Kuan, the World No. 11 women’s doubles player from Malaysia, has decided to retire from badminton.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has confirmed that Chow will be officially retired on September 15 with the statement below:
“THANK YOU, MEI KUAN ❤
Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has today accepted the resignation letter of national women’s doubles player, Chow Mei Kuan, effective 15 September 2021.
Despite efforts to persuade the 26-year-old shuttler to stay, Mei Kuan has reached the decision to retire from the sport.
Everyone at BAM expresses their gratitude to Mei Kuan for her immense contribution to the national team and wishes her all the very best in her future endeavours.”
Meanwhile, the BAM women’s doubles coach, Chan Chong Ming was also saddened by the news of Chow Mei Kuan’s retirement. Chan posted the following message on his Facebook:
“It’s difficult to believe that you are leaving the court 🏸 You will be missed, but never forgotten
.
Thank you for the wonderful badminton memories that mean to me, although it was just a year that we’ve been working together. 💪💪 For me, you are a great women double player with godly virtues! 👏👭🏻
.
Now as you retire, we’ll miss your plays forever. ♾️🏆 Wishing you a stress-free life full of success and happiness! 😇🪅”
Lastly, Chow’s women’s doubles partner, Lee Meng Yean, also shared her emotions which were stirred up by Chow’s retirement with the following post on Facebook:
“This day has finally arrived.
When I saw the announcement, my mind was blank and I was really down. Although I already know, I still hope that this day will not come so soon because I am not used to not having you around.
We have been living, training, eating, competing, going abroad, and working hard together since we were young. Talk, complain, cry, laugh, and do everything together, you are just like my sister. We also take care of each other and you are always the first person to jump out when I run into problems. Don’t worry, our friendship of 14 years will continue.
Although there are millions of unwillingnesses to see you retire from badminton, I respect your decision. Thank you for being my partner and competing together for so long. All the memories are in my heart.
In the future, I will continue to work hard and carry on the fighting spirit you have instilled in me. I also want to thank my coach and BAM for their encouragement. I will try my best to achieve the best results in future competitions. Although the road ahead may be difficult, I believe you will always be by my side to cheer me up.
Finally, please remember that we made a great effort for the country in the Tokyo Olympics
Malaysian Women’s Doubles:
‘LEE MENG YEAN & CHOW MEI KUAN’
”
Chow and Lee competed in the Group A of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. They defeated Chloe Birch/Lauren Smith of Great Britain to rank No. 3 in the group.
