It has been a challenging 2020 for men’s doubles specialist Goh V Shem, but the independent shuttler is relishing the prospect of returning to training with his former national team-mates at the Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM).
“There is a chance we will join national training for the Thomas Cup selection, and I am looking forward to that. The facilities at the ABM are the best, especially with the courts and gym.
“Our mentality when we were with the national team was different because we were focused only on working hard and nothing else. Being an independent player, I don’t think we have pushed ourselves hard enough.
“As an independent player, we have to think about everything else including the financial aspects to support our families,” Goh told Stadium Astro.
Goh and partner Tan Wee Kiong - who left the national setup last year - have only played in three tournaments this year. After two early round exits at the Malaysia and Indonesia Masters, they produced their best result at the Thailand Masters by reaching the semi-finals in late January.
A month later, the 2016 Olympic silver medalists were overlooked for Asia Team Championships in favour of Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, before things took a turn for the worse when they did not make the All-England Championships in March due to a late entry submission.
The coronavirus pandemic brought the badminton season to a halt soon after, but that delay may have played in the favour of the pair who are now being considered for the Thomas Cup selection.
If they are given the nod, Goh-Tan will return to train at the ABM on June 15.
Goh reckons it will take some time getting adjusted to full training mode.
“At this point, I have only been training at home. It will take some time before we regain our fitness and touch, but we will get back that competitive mentality in time. I think it will be the same for everyone”.
Meanwhile, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) received the green light for its Tokyo Olympics bound shuttlers to resume training on June 1st.
BAM president Norza Zakaria confirmed that 56 personnel including the athletes, coaches, sparring partners and support staff will adhere to all the standard operating procedures set upon returning.