PETALING JAYA: Two is always better than one.
At least, that’s the case as far as qualification for the Olympic Games is concerned and former world No. 1 Tan Boon Heong has challenged the men’s doubles pairs to book the full quota for the 2024 Paris stint.
A country can have two pairs if both of them are ranked in the top eight of the standings after a one-year qualification period.
Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik are ranked second in the world while independent shuttlers Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi are lying at eighth but the pecking order can change drastically once the qualifying period starts in May.
It may not be a walk in the park to have two qualifiers but Boon Heong believes that it is possible.
“For now, we have Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi and Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik but they must remain there (top eight),” said Boon Heong. “Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin have parted ways (last month) but they still have a chance because it’s something that we can’t predict.”
Sze Fei is playing now with Choong Hon Jian while Izzuddin partners Mohd Haikal Nazr.
“If only one pair qualifies, we are at a disadvantage on paper and it’ll be harder.
“It won’t be easy, but there’s a chance to fight for it,” said Boon Heong.
As the standard in the men’s doubles is close, Boon Heong hopes every pair will be on their toes.
“The pairs who work harder and are braver, stand a better chance to qualify.
“It all depends on their performance (throughout the qualification period) because some pairs may miss the spot due to poor performance or loss of confidence.”
Meanwhile, Boon Heong is excited with the launch of the Tan Boon Heong Badminton Academy Nationwide Community Badminton Programme. The aim is to ignite the children’s interest in badminton and hopefully produce national athletes to deliver medals.
The first stop was held at the Ace Sports World in Kepong yesterday, and the following legs will take place in Alor Setar and Malacca.
