Hand it to her: Goh Liu Ying receiving the ‘First Medallist in Olympic Games Badminton (Female)’ certificate by the Malaysia Book of Records. — SHAARI CHEMAT /The Star
PETALING JAYA: Former mixed doubles shuttler Goh Liu Ying is hoping that the Malaysian shuttlers will not put undue pressure on themselves as they compete in the Sudirman Cup in Suzhou, China, from May 14-21.
Liu Ying understands the kind of pressure the team will face while competing in the Suzhou meet as she has experienced it before.
Instead of focusing too much on their target, Liu Ying urged the shuttlers to give their best in every match.
“Most of our players are ranked in the top 10,” said Liu Ying
“They can aim for the semi-finals but the most important thing is that they try their best.
“I don’t want to pressure them because I know how much stress they can be under when competing in the Sudirman Cup.
“Just do their best for the country.’’
Liu Ying sees a good chance for two mixed doubles pairs to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
A country can field two pairs if both of them are ranked in the world’s top eight after the one-year qualification period, which starts in May.
Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing are currently ranked sixth in the world while Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie are ranked eighth.
“I believe we have a very good chance and hopefully, we can create the history with two pairs qualifying.
“Being in the top eight is a tougher challenge because you are competing not only against foreign players, but also against your teammates,” added Liu Ying.
Liu Ying is looking forward to organising more editions of the GLY 3v3 Badminton Tournament again after a successful one at the Megah Rise Badminton Club in Petaling Jaya yesterday.
A total of RM6,000 was raised and donated to the Kindly Orphan and Handicap Welfare Homes, by auctioning the jersey worn by Liu Ying during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Liu Ying was awarded with the “First Medallist in Olympic Games Badminton (Female)” certificate by the Malaysia Book of Records to recognise her contributions to the country’s badminton history.
