Perfect timing for Yee Jian and Wei Chong

THE timing was just great for badminton players Kwek Yee Jian and Man Wei Chong.

After having been absorbed by the BAM, the next thing is they found themselves selected for the World Junior Championships in Yogyakarta next week.

The boys, both aged 18, were formerly under Looi Badminton Academy. They were recently roped into the national squad to strengthen the men’s doubles department.

Their first major assignment, however, will be to impress Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) coach Kwan Yoke Meng at the world junior meet.

“We are very lucky, because we made it into the national squad just in time for the world juniors. It is different when you come under the national governing body,” said Yee Jian, who hails from Johor.

“I have been with Looi for the past three years and it has always been my dream to represent Malaysia. That time has now come.

“This will be my first time competing in the World Junior Championships, but Wei Chong was part of the squad last year.

“It won’t be easy, but I’m hoping to impress the coaches by reaching the semi-finals,” added Yee Jian.

When asked about the recent BAM ruling which limits the participation of independent shuttlers to GP tournaments and below, Yee Jian said: “Yes I read about it. Like I said earlier, we are lucky because we made it into the national squad at the right time.

“I am not saying that playing at Looi was a bad thing for me. My success at the grassroots level is because of them.

“However, the quality of training and the facilities provided by the national body are way better. The sparring quality is also way higher here.

“This is the best way to reach greater heights.”

The 19 junior players and six officials will head to Indonesia on Saturday for the World Junior Championships. By Fabian Peter