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BAM president Norza respects decision of Peng Soon-Liu Ying to quit the national team

BA of Malaysia (BAM) president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria respects the decision of Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying who have decided to quit the national team. Norza said the mixed doubles pair met him recently to discuss their intention to become professional shuttlers.

The World No 6, however, will continue to strive hard in hope of qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

“Peng Soon-Liu Ying’s situation is similar to that of Iskandar (Zulkarnain Zainuddin), who also decided to leave BAM. I understand what they want and they too are well aware of what BAM require of them.

“In BAM, we want to produce players who are hungry for success, players with character and the desire to improve according to our training regime and programme, which also includes sports science.

“Peng Soon-Liu Ying want to do it on their own and we respect that,” said Norza yesterday.

In a press statement yesterday, BAM disclosed that Peng Soon-Liu Ying had handed their resignation letter on Nov 29.

They will officially turn professional on Jan 1.

Adding on, Norza explained that the departure of Peng Soon-Liu Ying will open up the opportunity for up-and-coming pairs to prove their worth.

Peng Soon-Liu Ying, when contacted, did not wish to elaborate on the matter but have promised to hold a press conference soon.

“It is not the right time for us to make comments. I would like to thank BAM for everything they have done for me over the last 12 years. I started with nothing but I am somebody now,” said Peng Soon.

Since being paired in 2009, Peng SoonLiu Ying have won numerous titles with the highest being the silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

Apart from that, Peng Soon-Liu Ying were also crowned champions at the 2010 Asian Championships, 2012 Japan Open, 2016 Australian Open, 2017 Russian Open, 2018 US Open and the Thailand Masters.