Soniia ready to roar after meeting Chong Wei

WORDS of wisdom and encouragement from Lee Chong Wei have roused Soniia Cheah to go all out at the Tokyo Olympics.

Since her younger days, the Malaysian women’s singles shuttler has always looked up to the former men’s singles World No 1.

Chong Wei, who is Chef-deMission (CDM) for the national contingent, recently visited the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara to encourage the eight shuttlers, who will be competing at the Tokyo Games.

Soniia, who has had the privilege of training alongside Chong Wei in the past, was not only moved but motivated by the gesture.

“It is always special when Chong Wei speaks to you or passes down his knowledge. He is an inspiration to all.

“He told me to give my best, to enjoy myself and not play under pressure.

“That is my goal for the Olympics this year. I want to walk out of that court in Tokyo with no regrets,” said Soniia, who was part of the 2013 Axiata Cup-winning team, captained by Chong Wei.

Soniia, 28, said she still remembers the day when her entire career flashed in front of her when she suffered an Achilles tendon injury in 2013.

The Kuala Lumpur-born was devastated as she had already qualified for the World Championships in Guangzhou, China.

Till this very day, Soniia will not forget the words of comfort from Chong Wei, who reached the final that year before losing to China’s Lin Dan.

“Chong Wei told me not to worry too much back then. He wanted me to rest and focus on my recovery.

“He told me that I was still young, and I had the world ahead of me. I will not forget that.

“Now I will be making my Olympic debut because I did not give up then, and once again Chong Wei has encouraged me,” added Soniia, who together with the rest of the Malaysian contingent left for Tokyo on Saturday.

Soniia, who plies her trade as a professional shuttler, is in Group N, with former world champion Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand and Hungary’s Laura Sarosi.

Only group winners will qualify for the round of 16.

“I know it will not be easy, but it is the Olympics, and anything can happen.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has also made it an open affair. Everyone has had a very tough year.

“I don’t want to think too much or too far ahead. I promise to play my best,” said Soniia, who has yet to beat Ratchanok in four meetings.

The badminton competition is on July 24-Aug 2 at the Musashino Forest Sports Plaza.