KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s men’s singles player Jacky Kok Jing Hong has yet to plan his next career move as he prepares to leave the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) at the end of this month.
Jacky said he wants to enjoy his final days as a national player after spending nine years under BAM since the age of 13.
At 22 years old, he admitted that he is still unsure whether he would continue his career as a professional player or step away and explore other fields for his livelihood.
“I haven’t thought about it (next plan) yet. I’m just trying to enjoy my final tournaments with BAM like the Malaysia Super 100 and Indonesia International Challenge.
“I’m not even thinking about retiring from badminton because I want to enjoy all the experiences and everything I’ve learned with BAM.
“Honestly, all my memories with BAM are good, some are sad, and some are happy – and I really appreciate everything that has happened,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Kedah-born player had no trouble advancing past the first round, defeating India’s Mithun Manjunath 21-16, 21-8 today.
“The Malaysia Super 100 is played at home, and even though there has been an announcement about me, I still hope to give my best performance in this tournament.
“I know I’m not a top player, so I just want to enjoy my matches and give it my all. If I win, that’s great, but if I lose, I’ll accept it as long as I’ve given my best,” Jacky added.
He will be one of 13 players who is released by BAM at the end of this month, alongside Chua Kim Sheng, Ong Zhen Yi, Jan Jireh, Lee Zhi Ming (men’s singles), Siti Nurshuhaini Azman, Ung Yi Xing (women’s singles), Rayner Beh Chun Meng, Choi Jian Sheng (men’s doubles), Anna Cheong Ching Yik, Low Yeen Yuan (women’s doubles), and Jeremy Juan Zhen Liang, Poopathi Velayutham, and Lai Ting Cen (mixed doubles).
Jacky Kok did not achieve much in terms of individual success, with his sole senior title being the Swedish Open, where his opponent, Yeoh Seng Zoe, withdrew from the final.
However, Jacky Kok can take pride in being part of the Malaysian team that won the gold medal at the 2022 Asia Team Championship in Selangor, as well as securing two silver medals in the men’s team events at the 2021 SEA Games in Vietnam and the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia. – October 15, 2024