Determined: Shuttler Tan Kian Meng (right) is very much focused on qualifying for the Paris Games with Lai Pei Jing.
PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles shuttler Tan Kian Ming has tasted some success in his career – and now, he wants to lead others to enjoy the same path to glory.
To achieve this goal, he has set up an academy, named Triumph Badminton Academy at PJS Sports Centre by Xivo Sports, which he co-owns with another partner, Samuel Wong Kher Jie.
Kian Meng’s academy will be quite different from the many that have mushroomed in the Klang Valley.
The nine-court centre will have a specialised training programme for boys’ and girls’ Under-12 and will be coached by Kian Meng with former international Yap Cheng Wen and Lee Choon Sheng. It will also be opened to the public.
New venture: Tan Kian Meng sets up a new academy.As the 29-year-old Kian Meng is under the Road to Gold (RTG) programme with Lai Pei Jing, he will spend his time training the juniors on weekends while Cheng Wen will be the main coach.
Kian Meng is thrilled with the idea of giving back to young talents.
“This academy will focus on quality rather than quantity. We will only choose a few and their training will be conducted in a systematic and structured way,” said Kian Meng.
“Ultimately though, we want to provide the platform for these youngsters to enter the national team under BAM (Badminton Association of Malaysia).
“I may be an independent player but I think BAM are the best place for the budding players as everything is taken care of for them in the national team. They only have to train and do well.”
Kian Meng also has long-term plans.
“Eventually, I would like to provide training for free when I’m more stable and also support them to pursue their studies,” said Kian Meng.
“I also have plans to open up new branches. Our juniors lack the basics in badminton, hopefully, we can improve their skills even at a young age.”
For now, Kian Meng is very much focused on qualifying for the Paris Games with Pei Jing although their ranking had dropped to 17th.
“Both Pei Jing and I are injury-free but we know, we have some catching up to do,” said Kian Meng.
“We’ll be spending the next week in Thailand for training and then, we will head to the Korean Open (July 18-23).”
In the Korean meet in Jeosu, they will be joined by Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie, Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei and Chan Peng Soon-Cheah Yee See.
