NATIONAL men’s doubles shuttlers Beh Chun Meng-Goh Boon Zhe have known each other since they were 15 when they first started playing together and are best friends off court.
The pair from Penang are now 21 and have shared a tight knit bond through thick and thin and are now hoping their strong understanding on court will give them the edge in the Malaysia Games (Sukma).
Chun Meng-Boon Zhe are the top seeds and the favourites to win gold.
“We have been through lots of ups and downs since playing together,” said Chun Meng.
“We need to have the confidence that we can do well.
“There’s always pressure but we need to handle it.
“This is our second Sukma.
“We lost in the quarter-finals in the previous edition in 2022 (in Kuala Lumpur).
“This time, we want to capture a medal of any colour for Penang.”
Chun Meng-Boon Zhe are currently ranked No. 92 in the world rankings and captured the national Under-21 title in February.
The duo are keen to move up the ranks and fight to qualify for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
Chun Meng-Boon Zhe know they need to raise their game to have a chance of fulfilling their dream as they face tough competition from several pairs in the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
“Our biggest dream is to qualify for the next Olympics,” said Chun Meng.
“There are many good pairs in BAM and all want to play in Los Angeles too.
“It’s tough but we believe this healthy competition is good as we will push each other to become better.”
Chun Meng-Boon Zhe’s toughest challengers in Sukma are Federal Territories’ Mohd Fazriq Razif-Bryan Goonting and recent Malaysian Junior International Challenge winners Mohd Faiq Masawi-Lok Hong Quan from Selangor.
The individual event starts today in Sibu.
