Yeoh hopes to see all-Malaysian doubles final at LA2028

New Straits Times

26-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh hopes that Malaysia's men's doubles pairs will be able to maintain their fine form until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics (LA2028).
Fans were treated to an all-Malaysian men's doubles final at the Malaysia Masters yesterday (May 25) which saw Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun upsetting higher ranked duo Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik to claim the title.
It was Malaysia's first men's doubles title win at the Malaysia Masters in 12 years.
Yeoh was visibly pleased with both pairs' performances throughout the week.
"Yesterday was a good day for Malaysian badminton. Our performances, especially in the men's doubles events, have been improving," said Yeoh today (May 26).
"With there being a new coach (Herry IP) and the Road to Gold (RTG) programme, I am confident we can continue to help them achieve many more successes.
"My hope is that when we reach LA2028, we will have both (Malaysian) pairs in the final so there will be no pressure.
"We want the gold and we also want the silver."
Yeoh added that she was also pleased with professionals Nur Izzuddin Rumsani-Goh Sze Fei who are expected to become the new world No. 1 men's doubles pair this week.
"Of course I am happy for both Izzuddin and Sze Fei," said Yeoh.
Yeoh again reminded players to consider all factors before deciding whether to remain under the BA of Malaysia (BAM) programme or turn professional.
"As I have said before, I hope all badminton players will think carefully before deciding whether to remain with BAM or turn professional. There are many factors to consider," said Yeoh.
"The advantage of being within the BAM programme is that the players have many good sparring partners (to train with).
"Outside (professional), there are less sparring partners and this can affect their performances.
"I have asked the new BAM president (Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz) to see how we can create a better ecosystem for the players."
On a separate note, Yeoh said she considers the Axiata Arena's leaky roof issue to be resolved.
"I have not discussed the matter with Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz. I was there for the finals yesterday (Malaysia Masters) and consider the matter to be resolved," said Yeoh.
The Axiata Arena's leaky roof had halted play during the earlier rounds of the Malaysia Masters last week.
Yeoh was speaking after officiating the launch of the Drug Free Youth Campaign awareness video in Kuala Lumpur today in cooperation with TGV Cinemas.
TGV Cinemas will from now be screening a short drug awareness video before movies are shown at their cinemas nationwide. This is to create greater awareness regarding the dangers of recreational drug use.