Done deal: Goh Jin Wei signing on the dotted lines for Li-Ning Malaysia.
PETALING JAYA: Shuttler Goh Jin Wei may not have reached the top of her game yet but she remains in demand.
Yesterday, Li-Ning Malaysia continued to show their faith in Jin Wei by extending their sponsorship with her until end of this year and the 2017 SEA Games gold medallists is bent on repaying them.
She is not only determined to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games but intends to be a worthy opponent against top players in Paris.
The 23-year-old Jin Wei said she was humbled.
“Li-Ning are still willing to sponsor me even though I have to start from the bottom. I’m really indebted to them,” said Jin Wei.
“This contract extension really comes at the right time because the ‘Race to Paris’ qualifying will start in May. With this support, I can fully focus on my mission to qualify for the Olympics without having to worry about financial matters.’’
The decision by Li-Ning Malaysia and Sunlight Group to stick with Jin Wei did not come as a surprise as the two-time world junior champion has shown improvement over the past 12 months since making a comeback after a long break from the game.
Jin Wei, who was once outside of the top 100 in the world rankings, is lying at 31st spot.
“I was able to improve on my ranking to the point that I can now play in Super 750 level tournaments and above,” she said.
“The next challenge for me is to raise the quality of my game and hopefully be able to close the gap with the world’s best.’’
Players like world No. 1 Akane Yamaguchi of Japan, An Se-young of South Korea (No. 2), Tai Tzu-ying of Taiwan (No. 3), China’s Chen Yu Fei (No. 4) and He Bingjiao (No. 5) are one class above and Jin Wei has to fast track her progress to catch up with them.
“Most importantly, I hope to stay healthy and free from injury,” she added.
Jin Wei, who underwent colectomy surgery in 2019, made an impressive comeback by claiming the runner-up spot at the Vietnam Open and reaching the semi-finals of the Italian International Challenge.
She also recorded six quarter-final appearances including a strong performance in dragging Indian star P.V. Sindhu to the deciding set before losing 21-19, 14-21, 18-21 at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games last year.
Meanwhile, Li-Ning also signed up three new recruits – independent doubles players Low Hang Yee and Ng Eng Cheong, and coach Rosman Razak.
Hang Yee-Eng Cheong emerged as the runners-up in the Malaysian International Challenge and the Laos International Challenge in 2019.
Rosman, who is back in Malaysia after coaching the Philippines national team, has replaced Chin Eei Hui as the coach for independent players led by world No. 8 Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi.
Brand Marketing head of Sunlight Group Teah Yann Ling hopes that they can help players and coaches to develop their careers and realise their dreams.
The others in Li-Ning’s family includes former players Tan Boon Heong, Goh Liu Ying and Woon Khe Wei.
