Kuala Lumpur: Badminton is a rigorous and physically demanding sport. It requires staunch athleticism, tremendous conditioning and many hours spent in the weight room.
Koo Kien Keat is one of the most talented men’s doubles player in the history of Malaysia badminton. He became known for his colorful personalities on and off the court, from repeatedly dyed his hair in artificial colors, to embracing a lifestyle of crashing parties. He had his own chance at stardom, but problems on and off the court including his weight problems have seriously derailed his career of a potential Olympic Gold medalist.
On Tuesday, Kien Keat has clearly gained some weight and looked physically exhausted when he was training with his former teammates Tan Boon Heong at Juara Stadium, Bukit Kiara in preparation for the upcoming World Championships.
Malaysian doubles coach Pang Cheh Chang tried to play down the expectations of Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong at the world meet.
“We can’t expect Kien Keat to play like he did before. Hopefully, his experience can help him and Boon Heong push for victory in Copenhagen,” said Cheh Chang.
As for Kien Keat, he also admitted his fitness condition is not at his best.
“I have been doing mostly coaching in Thailand,” said Kien Keat.
“Although I am not at my best shape yet, but Boon Heong and I have been playing for many years, we share a good bond on the court, we know our moves well, and we should be able to cover up for each other fine,” Kien Keat said with smile.
They have a bye in first round; will probably play China’s Li Junhui-Liu Yuchen in the second round, and Malaysia’s Goh V Shem-Lim Khim Wah in the third round of World Championships.
BadmintonPlanet.com would like to wish Kien Keat every success in his future endeavors