PETALING JAYA: Will two-time world junior champion Goh Jin Wei get her wish to make a comeback as a professional player without being penalised?
The 21-year-old should learn her fate soon as the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) confirmed that they are already looking into the appeal letter she submitted yesterday.
Jin Wei is hopeful of being given a reprieve by the national body just like her former teammate Lee Zii Jia, who is set to be released from the national team on conditions to pursue an independent career.
Jin Wei and Zii Jia were handed a two-year ban from all sanctioned tournaments last Friday, triggering a public uproar as many felt that the duo have been harshly treated.
Both Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu and deputy Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker have since stepped in to intervene on the matter.
And in just a matter of days, the BAM and Zii Jia have reached an “amicable solution” on Tuesday, with the latter claiming that the issue has been resolved.
It’s not immediately known, however, whether Zii Jia will be given a lighter punishment or be set free by just paying a compensation.
The BAM have assured that they will deliver a “win-win verdict for both parties” next week.
“We can confirm that we have received her appeal letter and we will go through the necessary process for her,” said BAM secretary Datuk Kenny Goh, adding that they have yet to decide on when a talk will be held with Jin Wei and her representatives.
Jin Wei, who made a U-turn on her decision to retire last year, said she has included a “medical issue” as the reason why she opted not to rejoin the national team.
“In my appeal letter, I mentioned that I couldn’t cope with the stress in the national team as it will directly affect my gastrointestinal problem (medical issue),” said Jin Wei.
“I humbly seek their consideration to revoke the decision (suspension).”
Jin Wei has made it clear that she’s eager to play badminton again but as an independent player.
She has signed for KLRC earlier this month.
