Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s World No. 7 mixed doubles pair, Chan Peng Soon/Goh Liu Ying have checked into the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) alongside their sparring partners, Tan Kian Meng, Lai Pei Jing, and coach, Chin Eei Hui on Monday to prepare for the Tokyo Olympics.
The Malaysian government re-implemented the Movement Control Order (MCO) on May 12 to curb the spread of COVID-19. At that time, Chan/Goh had rejected the invitation from the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to train at ABM. They decided to train at a non-BAM facility after obtaining permission from Malaysia’s National Sports Council.
However, Malaysia had imposed tighter MCO measures as daily Covid-19 cases remain above 6,000, and Malaysia’s National Security Council no longer allowed them to train outside of BAM.
“Since we cannot train outside of BAM, we have to participate in training camps at ABM which are being conducted under a quarantine environment,” said Chan.
Chan, Goh, their coach, and sparring partners would have to undergo quarantine for 10 days before being able to train with other Malaysian national players.
“However, during that quarantine period, we were allowed to undergo training only in a separate place, namely at the Juara Bukit Kiara Stadium. We can join BAM players to train at ABM after the end of the 10-days quarantine period,” said Chan.
“So, we will follow all the SOPs (standard operating procedures) set by BAM. We can no longer skip any training sessions because the Olympics are approaching,” continued Chan.
It’s unsure if another Malaysian independent player, Soniia Cheah, who has qualified for the Olympics women’s singles event would join Chan/Goh to train at ABM.
