Hard-hit indie shuttler Giap Chin calls it quits

Giap Chin: ‘Times are tough but we can’t blame anyone.’

PETALING JAYA: Being an independent shuttler is hard enough. With the Covid-19 pandemic crippling sponsors and chances for prize money, it just becomes untenable.

Frustrated by the events, former Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) men’s singles player Goh Giap Chin has decided to end his career after playing under the New Vision badminton academy for five years.

“It’s a difficult decision but one that I had to make. It’s hard for some independent players, ” said the 28-year-old Giap Chin, who joined the professional set-up in 2015.

“I enjoyed my career under New Vision. In fact, I won several titles as an independent player and was ranked as high as 54.

“I would like to thank K. Yogendran from the professional outfit for coaching me, ” he said.

He has won several lower-ranked tournaments over the last few years. He could only compete in lower-ranked tournaments as the national body had barred him from competing in Level Four or higher tournaments after he left them.

“I used to earn a five-figure salary as an independent player. There was income from sponsors and money from playing in tournaments and league. Now, without tournaments and with sponsors cutting down, I get only 30% of what I used to earn.

“Times are tough but we can’t blame anyone.

“I’m not sure whether it’s the responsibility of the world body (Badminton World Federation) to help players like us. There are many lower ranked players from other countries also struggling to make ends meet right now.”

Giap Chin said there were lessons to be learnt.

“It’s all about making good use of the time given to us. The window of opportunity is short, so players must make the best out of it. One has to enjoy competing in tournaments and save money too, ” he said.

“It’s all about being disciplined. Then, the results will show.”

Giap Chin hoped to transfer his knowledge to juniors now that he is set to be the Penang state coach. He is likely to help out in the team’s preparation for the Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Johor Baru next year.

“I’ve gone through ups and and downs as a player and I’ve learnt much. Hopefully, I can guide the juniors to put their playing time to the best use, ” added the father of two.