PETALING JAYA: Stepping into the unknown can be daunting, but Teoh Mei Xing is ready to embrace a new challenge after calling time on her badminton career.
Yesterday marked Mei Xing’s final day at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara, ending more than a decade in the national set-up since she joined as a teenager.
The 29-year-old is now preparing for a different kind of challenge as she looks to move into the corporate world.
Mei Xing considers herself fortunate as several companies had already approached her after she announced her retirement following the Malaysian Super 100 in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, two weeks ago.
However, she wants to take some time off to rest and clear her mind before deciding on her next move.
"I don’t have a job yet. I will take a break for one or two months first before deciding on my next step.
"I think I’m quite fortunate because several companies from different industries have reached out to me.
"They knew me because I was a national badminton player, so I feel quite privileged in that sense," said Mei Xing.
Unlike some players who choose to continue as an independent shuttler or move into coaching after leaving the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), Mei Xing feels it is time to explore something different.
The decision also came after a challenging year in which she had to adjust to several changes in partners.
"I think when you reach a certain age, you want to try something different. As players, perhaps the longest we can continue playing is until around 35.
"Over the last five years, we have gone through a lot of trial and error. I have personally been through that process in badminton for 10 years.
"There have been so many challenges during that period and also many moments when the timing was not right.
"I feel I have already given my best and when you are unable to achieve what you have targeted, it is better to try something else.
"For me, it is better to choose the right path than to continue doing something that is not producing the results you want," she added.
Mei Xing reached a career-high world No. 17 with Anna Cheong in 2023 and the pair also won the Syed Modi International.
Their partnership, however, was disrupted after Anna suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury before eventually leaving BAM.
Mei Xing then formed a partnership with Go Pei Kee in 2024, with the pair also reaching world No. 17 and winning the Malaysia Super 100.
That partnership also came to an end after Pei Kee announced her departure from the national set-up earlier this year.
Besides women’s doubles, Mei Xing also featured in mixed doubles during her career, partnering Hoo Pang Ron and Tee Kai Wun.
