Holding court: Goh Liu Ying (centre) posing with (from left) Cheah Liek Hou, Zhang Beiwen, Chan Peng Soon, Datuk Kenny Goh, Tan Boon Heong and Koo Kien Keat at her farewell ceremony. — Bernama
THE man who encouraged mixed doubles shuttler Goh Liu Ying to play badminton is sad to see her hang up her racket.
Liu Ying’s father Goh Chak Wee is supportive of her decision to call it a day but admits that he will miss seeing her in action.
“I support her decision but I feel sad that I won’t be able to see her compete anymore. I’m really proud of her achievements as a player,” said Chak Wee.
“Seeing her on the podium after winning silver in the Olympics was really special.
“Honestly, I only wanted her to become a national player but I never expected her to win an Olympics medal.’’
He went on to reveal that he had encouraged his daughter to play badminton since she was three years old.
“As a child, I loved the sport and wanted to become a national player but couldn’t as my family was not well off.
“So, I wanted my daughter to succeed where I couldn’t.
“I used to take her to watch matches since she was three years old. She couldn’t understand the game that time when I explained it to her but she will watch the matches until the end,” said Chak Wee.
Liu Ying, who memorably captured a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics with Chan Peng Soon, had announced her retirement from the sport after her challenge ended in the first round of the Malaysian Open.
Yesterday, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) held a farewell ceremony for the 33-year-old at the Axiata Arena.
Liu Ying was also involved in an exhibition match along with Peng Soon, former men’s doubles pair Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong, para men’s singles player Cheah Liek Hou and United States’ women’s singles player Zhang Beiwen.
Liu Ying said: “I’m thankful to BAM for organising such an amazing event for me. This really means a lot to me.
“I feel a bit emotional as this will be the last time that I’ll be seeing action as a player at the Axiata Arena.”
On her future plans, Liu Ying said: “I have plans to organise competitions for amateurs. There are many tournaments for professional players but rarely for amateurs,” she said.
“I hope to organise the first tournament next month in Kuala Lumpur.
“Malaysians love badminton so much, so I want to help the sport grow,” she added.
