PETALING JAYA: After more than a decade with the national team, mixed doubles shuttler Hoo Pang Ron has officially left the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to pursue an independent career.
BAM confirmed the 28-year-old’s departure, with his final appearance alongside partner Cheng Su Yin at the Asian Championships in Ningbo, China.
However, it remains unclear whether Pang Ron was dropped or if the decision was made mutually with BAM.
It was also an unfortunate end for Pang Ron, who suffered an elbow injury during his first-round match against South Korea’s Kim Jae-hyeon-Jang Ha-jeong, forcing him to retire.
In a statement, BAM expressed their appreciation to Pang Ron for his contributions, along with women’s doubles player Go Pei Kee, who left the association in February.
“BAM confirm that Hoo Pang Ron and Go Pei Kee have departed the national set-up. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours,” said BAM.
During Pang Ron’s time, he partnered several players including Cheah Yee See, Peck Yen Wei, Teoh Mei Xing and Toh Ee Wei.
He showed his potential when partnering Su Yin after finishing runners-up at the China Masters in 2024. However, the pair have since struggled to reproduce that form.
Pang Ron will now join the independent set-up under coach Teo Kok Siang and is expected to partner Lai Pei Jing.
This comes after Jimmy Wong received an offer to return to the national squad.
He is also set to become Su Yin’s new partner, with the Malaysian Masters set to be their first tournament together.
Jimmy was previously part of the national team before being dropped in 2022.
