21 hours ago
Hannah Yeoh to closely monitor RTG shuttlers at World Championships
PUTRAJAYA: Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh will be keeping a close watch on the shuttlers under the Road to Gold (RTG) programme at the Paris World Championships from Aug 25-31.
Yeoh said that while a single tournament result is not the sole measure of success, the World Championships are a critical benchmark for the athletes' long-term development.
The RTG athletes heading to the World Championships are men's doubles Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izuddin Rumsani, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, women's doubles Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, mixed doubles Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei and Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai,
"As the chairman for RTG, of course, I will be monitoring their performance closely," said Yeoh at the flag-handing ceremony for the Malaysian contingent to the Sea Deaf Games in Jakarta today.
"The KPI for our RTG athletes is based on their world rankings, which we evaluate over a two-year period. It's not just about one specific championship, but consistent performance is crucial."
However, the minister expressed concern over the demanding international badminton calendar, highlighting the high risk of players' burnout and injury.
She said that ensuring the athletes remain in peak physical condition is a top priority for the RTG support team.
"For badminton, I just hope they don't get too exhausted. The calendar is incredibly packed," Yeoh said.
"My main prayer for the RTG badminton players is that they avoid injury. An injury is what will ultimately hinder their progress and preparation."
The RTG programme was established to provide top-tier, comprehensive support to elite athletes with the potential to win Malaysia's first-ever Olympic gold medal.
