PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles world champion Toh Ee Wei has only one wish this Chinese New Year, to stay blessed and carry that good fortune into another successful season on court.
The 24-year-old is back in her hometown in Melaka for a brief two-day break to celebrate with her family before returning to training at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara.
With a packed international calendar rarely allowing extended time off, the short reunion means everything to ee Wei after months of travelling and competing.
“Chinese New Year is usually the same. Sometimes there are tournaments, sometimes I can go back for two days to see my family, then it is back to training,” said Ee Wei.
“It is quite similar every year. I just appreciate being able to gather with everyone and have a meal together,” said Ee Wei.
Even as she enjoys the festivities, Ee Wei knows the focus must quickly shift back to business.
She and her partner Chen Tang Jie, along with their teammates, will fly to Europe at the end of the month to resume their international campaign.
They have skipped the German Open from Feb 24 to March 1 to give full attention to the All-England in Birmingham from March 3 to 8, the oldest tournament in the sport and one Malaysia have yet to conquer in the mixed doubles.
With that in mind, Ee Wei hopes the Year of the Horse will bring her the extra touch of luck.
This is because last year their All-England campaign ended in disappointment after they were knocked out in the second round, while the year earlier they crashed out in the first round.
“I hope we can prepare as best as possible and stay injury-free before competing at the All-England,” she added.
