PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles shuttler Chen Tang Jie has a million reasons to capture Malaysia’s first Olympic gold.
For one, Senheng executive chairman and managing director Lim Kim Heng has promised Tang Jie that he will be rewarded with RM1mil if he and Toh Ee Wei end the country’s long wait for the gold in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Tang Jie has created history by winning Malaysia’s first world title in the mixed doubles with Ee Wei in Paris nearly two weeks ago.
The 27-year-old received RM100,000 from Senheng for his feat in a ceremony at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara yesterday.
Tang Jie is an alumnus of the SS Junior Badminton Talent Scholarship in Petaling Badminton Club which is sponsored by Senheng and was recognised for his achievement.
Ee Wei was also not overlooked and received RM25,000 worth of electronic products from Senheng.
Tang Jie and Ee Wei were grateful for rewards pouring in but they vowed to remain humble and keep striving for more success.
“For us, nothing much has changed. We are still badminton players and we want to achieve more,” said Ee Wei.
“The world meet is over. We will start a new journey after this.
“We just need to keep enjoying our game. We have to stay humble and keep working hard. Hopefully, we can remain consistent after this.”
Tang Jie-Ee Wei also received RM40,000 each under the National Sports Incentive Scheme (Shakam), RM25,000 from Snack and Beverage company Mamee and RM25,000 from car company Seven Autospa.
Ee Wei also was rewarded with RM50,000 from the Melaka government.
Chipped in Tang Jie: “Of course this motivates us. Olympic gold is every athlete’s dream.”
“We will fight for our country and for ourselves to win Malaysia’s first gold,” added Tang Jie who trained in Petaling BC from the age of 15 to 19 before joining the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
Men’s doubles shuttlers Soh Wooi Yik and Man Wei Chong, who are also SS Junior Badminton Talent Scholarship alumni will be rewarded with a million as well if they win the Olympic title with Aaron Chia and Tee Kai Wun respectively.
Tang Jie expressed his gratitude to Senheng and Petaling BC for playing an important role in his badminton journey.
“I was part of the SS programme from the age of 15 and I can say that without this, I will not be the player I am today,” said Tang Jie.
“Lim (Kim Heng) treated us like his own children. I appreciate him a lot.
“I’m also very grateful to my coaches in Petaling BC, Rommy Arnold and Yap Kim Hock. I learnt a lot from both.
“If not for them and of course BAM, I will not have become a world champion.”
All eyes will be on Tang Jie-Ee Wei when they return to competitive action in the China Masters starting on Tuesday in Shenzhen.
