Olympics is a lifetime opportunity and players must seize it, says Malaysian coach Tan Kim Her
Malaysia’s national coach Tan Kim Her said that the Olympics, which is the biggest event in the world of sports, is a lifetime opportunity and players must seize.
The coach wants Malaysian shuttlers to give their maximum on court and come out with a medal as only those Olympians are remembered by people for a longer period of time who win medals in this mega event.
Malaysia’s badminton players have never won a gold medal in any category at Olympics. However, this time Lee Chong Wei in Men’s Singles and Koo Kien Keat – Tan Boon Heong in Men’s Doubles have bright chances to end Malaysia’s title draught.
While talking about his performance in 1996 Olympic Games, Kim Her partnered with Soo Beng Kiang failed to live up to expectations and crashed out without winning any medal.
He also expressed that just a few people remember their outing because they return home without a medal in their bags.
However, the coach emphasised on the fact that players should deliver their best to seize this opportunity as it can take the player to the height of glory and at the same time it can break the hope and heart of a shuttler.
He stated, “I reached the semi-finals with Beng Kiang but we lost in the 1996 Games. Unfortunately, we had to play in the playoff and we went down again. Very few will remember our outing because we did not win a medal. The Olympics is an opportunity of
a lifetime for an athlete and I encourage all our players to seize the day.”
While talking about the chances of World Number Eight Kien Keat and Boon Heong, the coach expressed that they should put in extra effort and should remain focused as this is the only of getting desired results at the upcoming 2012 London Olympics.
He added, “The whole atmosphere of the Olympic Games is different. I hope our players, especially Koo and Tan, will defy the odds. They are showing renewed determination on court and must stay focused.”
The World Number Two Chong Wei and Kien Keat – Boon Heong among the major contenders for titles in their respective categories at London Olympics and many have faith that this time they will break the deadlock for Malaysia.
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