Ready for Rio

PREPARED: Peng Soon confident that BAM have done everything for Olympic challenge

DESPITE having no centralised training, Chan Peng Soon has got no complaints ahead of the Rio Games next month.

The mixed doubles shuttler, who yesterday signed a two-year deal with 100Plus, believes the BA of Malaysia (BAM) have done their best to provide for the shuttlers bound for the Games.

Peng Soon, who partners Goh Liu Ying, said: “Personally I think BAM have done everything they can to prepare us for the Games next month.

“I am certain they have put a lot of thought into our training programme and schedule to make sure we are all in our best condition before flying off next week.

“Our coaches have been pushing us really hard and this week, we began training as a team together with our two sparring partners who will accompany us to the Games.”

The national squad, which also includes World No 1 Lee Chong Wei (men’s singles), Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong (men’s doubles), Tee Jing Yi (women’s singles) and Vivian Hoo Kah Mun-Woon Khe Wei (women’s doubles), will leave for Rio on July 29. The tournament proper begins on Aug 11.

Peng Soon, who will be playing in his second Olympics added: “I am both excited and nervous at the same time.

“This will be my second appearance after the London Games four years ago and things have changed a lot for Liu Ying and I as a pair.

“We are more matured now and confident. The pressure is there but it is up to us to handle it.

“In London, we allowed nerves to get the best of us as we gave our opponents too much respect.

“Four years later, I think we are a pair who can match the world’s best,” said Peng Soon, who BAM believe can deliver a medal with Liu Ying.

V Shem-Wee Kiong, Liu Ying and Goh Jin Wei were the other shuttlers who signed sponsorship deals with 100Plus yesterday.