KUALA LUMPUR – National women’s singles player Goh Jin Wei is exploring the possibility of training alongside her close friend, men’s singles player Lee Zii Jia, ahead of the Paris Olympics.
This comes as Jin Wei faces challenges in finding suitable sparring partners and grapples with the denial of Olympic accreditation for her coach, Nova Armada.
With the Paris Olympics scheduled for July 26, Jin Wei is still uncertain about joining the 10-day centralised training camp in Aire Sur La Lys, organised by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
BAM has listed 12 players as sparring partners, including Haikal Nazri-Choong Hon Jia, Goh Boon Sze-Raynor Beh, Liew Xun-Wong Vin Sean, Indonesian sparring partners Ade Yusuf Santoso-Gerardo Rizqullah, Alfian Firsada-Rian Swastedian, and women’s pair Teoh Mei Xing-Go Pei Kee.
However, there may be better options for Jin Wei’s specific training needs.
Considering she will be in Paris without Nova, Jin Wei hinted at potentially training with Zii Jia or sparring with other women’s singles players from different countries during their stay in Paris.
“Of course, I will try to see if I can join Zii Jia or ask BAM. Otherwise, if there are any women’s singles players from other countries in Paris, I’ll try to approach them,” said Jin Wei.
Earlier, Jin Wei, encountered a setback as her request for accreditation for Nova was denied.
As a result, national coaching director Rexy Mainaky will provide support to Jin Wei at the Paris Olympics.
Despite these challenges, Jin Wei remains determined to perform her best at the Olympics as a debutant.
“I don’t believe this will affect my training and focus. I will continue to pursue what I’ve been striving for,” she added. – June 28, 2024