Our champions: Shuttler Aaron Chia and wushu exponent Tan Cheong Min have been named as the best male and female athletes in Melaka. - Bernama
MELAKA: National men's doubles ace shuttler Aaron Chia is now focusing entirely on his preparations for the SEA Games in Thailand next month after being crowned Melaka Sportsman of the year on Monday (Nov 10).
The 28-year-old athlete, who hails from Batu Berendam, said he is currently in the preparation phase for the biennial multisport event, fully focusing on training throughout this month without participating in any tournaments, following the packed schedule in Europe last month.
"This award certainly gives me extra motivation, and I am very grateful to the Melaka state government for its continuous support.
"My main focus now is to concentrate on training to contribute a medal for the national contingent at the SEA Games in Thailand." he said.
Earlier, he received the award from the Governor of Melaka Tun Mohd Ali Rustam, and took home a trophy, the Challenge Trophy and RM3,000 cash.
Elaborating further, Aaron said he might pair up with another player in the men's doubles event as a trial for a new partnership, but any decision will be made by the coach.
However, he is confident he will not face any problems if he pairs up with Man Wei Chong or Tee Kai Wun, who are also Melaka-born athletes, for the competition at the upcoming SEA Games.
Aaron also said after the SEA Games, he and his partner, Soh Wooi Yik, are scheduled to reunite to compete in the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, China, next December.
Aaron won the award for the second consecutive time after displaying excellent performance on the international stage, including winning a bronze medal in the men's doubles event at the 2023 World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, and the 2024 Paris Olympics, in addition to being the runner-up at the 2024 All-England in Birmingham.
Meanwhile, Tan Cheong Min took the best female award for her fine run, which included winning two gold medals at the 2023 SEA Games and as well as a gold and silver at the World Cup in China last year. - Bernama
