KUALA LUMPUR: Could mixed doubles pair Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Lai Jemie be reinstated into the elite Road to Gold (RTG) programme?
If they get back in, it will be a timely boost ahead of the All-England in Birmingham from March 11-16.
The duo have climbed back into the world’s top ranks, currently sitting at No. 3 behind China’s Feng Yanzhe-Huang Dongping and Jiang Zhenbang-Wei Yaxin.
They have even overtaken compatriots Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, who are ranked one spot below them but remain in the RTG programme.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, who co-chairs the RTG initiative, hinted that the husband-and-wife pair could make a return, as the selection criteria are based on merit. Given their latest ranking, they are eligible for re-entry.
“Shevon and Soon Huat know how the RTG programme works because they were previously part of it. They understand that their inclusion is determined by their ranking,” said Hannah.
To qualify for RTG, athletes must have won an Olympic medal, be ranked in the world’s top 10, and show strong potential for podium success in the next Games.
In Soon Huat and Shevon’s case, they will need to work hard towards securing a spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The pair were included in the RTG programme in April 2023 but were dropped six months later after their ranking fell to No. 11.
Hannah also explained that men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani have been informed about the support and assistance they would receive if they agree to join the programme.
She had the opportunity to meet the world No. 2 pair on Tuesday but clarified that the discussion was only an explanation, and they have yet to sign any contract with RTG.
She added that Sze Fei and Izzuddin have not set any conditions, and discussions will continue before they are officially included in RTG.
“I did not have the chance to meet them earlier as they were busy competing, and they are now Malaysia’s No. 1 men’s pair.
“Unlike other badminton players, Sze Fei and Izzuddin were not fully aware of the RTG programme and also shared the challenges they faced as they were no longer under the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
“Discussions will continue, and in March, I will announce the new committee. The RTG secretariat are currently compiling a list of athletes ranked in the world’s top 10 whom we want to support for the Olympics,” she added.
