Exhausted, Malaysian Mixed Doubles Announce Withdrawal From World Championships

JAKARTA - Shocking news came from the badminton world, Malaysian mixed doubles Chan Peng Soon/Goh Liu Ying announced that they had withdrawn from the 2021 World Championships.

The news about the decision to resign was conveyed directly by Goh Liu Ying through his social media account.

Through an account on Instagram on Monday, December 6, he said their decision to withdraw was because they felt very tired after the busy schedule of the badminton tournament at the end of 2021.

"I want to say a big thank you, but I don't know where to start. Thank you for supporting us all the time," Liu Ying said in the statement.

"The schedule might be too tight, maybe also because of the age factor. I really couldn't recover my physical strength, so it was difficult for both of us to stand up and it felt helpless for the World Championships," he continued.

Feeling physically and mentally tired also makes them unable to recover faster, coupled with the resumption of increasing cases of COVID-19.

"One more stop (of the tournament) will only increase the burden on the body, and not be able to achieve the goals we want, moreover, the pandemic of cases is increasing, which adds to all kinds of worries.

After weighing the pros and cons, we have decided to withdraw from the 2021 Badminton World Championships," he said.

Although they finally decided to withdraw, Chan Peng Soon/Goh Liu Ying also admitted that this decision made them very sad. Because they will not be able to perform for Malaysia.

"I know that the World Championship is very important for every athlete. I am also very sorry that I can't wear the Malaysia jersey to fight again, this time I really couldn't defend," said Liu Ying.

Finally, Liu Ying also expressed his gratitude to the sponsors who have so far supported their efforts to navigate various tournaments.

"Thank you all sponsors for your support, all the competition costs especially for us independent players, it would be impossible for us to participate in any competition without your support. Thank you," he concluded.

Chan Peng Soon/Goh Liu Ying are not the first badminton players to decide to withdraw from the 2020 World Championships. Previously there were a number of athletes who also decided to withdraw, the other being the men's doubles of Chinese Taipei, Lu Ching Yao/Yang Po Han.