PETALING JAYA: Hong Kong may not have produced a world junior champion in Cairo, but their young shuttlers still had reason to celebrate after ending a 16-year medal drought at the World Junior Championships.
Boys’ doubles pair Michaelangle Njoto-Jerry Yu were among those who delivered, winning bronze to give Hong Kong their first medal at the tournament since Lee Chun Hei-Ng Ka Long did so at the 2010 edition in Guadalajara.
Ip Sum Yai added another bronze in the girls’ singles, becoming the first Hong Kong player to win a medal in the event at the World Junior Championships.
For doubles coach Tan Bin Shen, the two medals were a reflection of the work his players had put in over the years.
"Standing on the podium is the result of all the training and perseverance you have shown along the way," said Bin Shen in a social media post.
"This medal is not just about the result, but also proof that you had the courage to challenge yourselves."
But Bin Shen also reminded his players that the medals should only be the beginning of their journey.
"The competition may be over, but the learning never stops. Every tournament gives us something to learn and improve on, while every challenge helps us become stronger.
"The road ahead will be tougher, and that is why we have to keep pushing ourselves and continue breaking through our own limits.
"Believe in yourselves and you will become even stronger," he added.
Besides Bin Shen, former Malaysian international Wong Choong Hann is also part of Hong Kong’s coaching set-up, serving as the team’s singles head coach.
