Koo Kien Keat Quits National Badminton
For all his early successes with Tan Boon Heong in men's doubles, Koo Kien Keat, 28, has resigned as Malaysia's national badminton player. Read on.
By Farouq Johari — 03 Mar 2014, 03:51 PM — Updated over 10 years ago
After Weeks Of Speculation, Kien Keat Finally Handed His Resignation Letter To The Badminton Association Of Malaysia (BAM)
On Friday (28th Feb), BAM deputy president Datuk Norza Zakaria confirmed that Kien Keat, 28, had submitted the letter to BAM’s office after his training session at Stadium Juara in Bukit Kiara.
thestar.com.my
BAM deputy president Datuk Norza Zakaria shakes hands with Koo Kien Keat who announced his resignation from the national squad.
Image via nst.com.myKien Keat's resignation is effective March 1.
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"It is true that Kien Keat has sent in a letter stating that he is quitting on March 1," said Norza.
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"I'm Going To Become A Father," Kien Keat
“It was a tough decision to make, but given that I am about to become a father, I had to put my family first. I’m aware that there has been a lot of criticism aimed at me and I don’t want my family to be affected by it, which is why I am leaving."
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“I’m not leaving BAM because I have issues with anyone or because of any feeling of dissatisfaction with any party in the association.”
thestar.com.my"But I won't be leaving badminton. I am willing to serve BAM if they need me," said Kien Keat.
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BAM Has Accepted Kien Keat's Resignation
BAM deputy president Datuk Mohamad Norza Zakaria said they accepted and respected Koo's decision the decision to leave the main badminton body.
themalaysianinsider.com
"After discussion with several BAM supreme council members today, we accepted Koo's decision to leave the BAM."
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The signs were all there for Kien Keat to call it quits when he failed to turn up for training after the Chinese New Year break. He went for an eye treatment on Monday and after a few days of recuperating, he returned for training just two days ago.
thestar.com.myThe Partnership Between Koo Kien Keat And Tan Boon Heong Has Brought Huge Success To Malaysia
For the record, Kien Keat-Boon Heong were the winners of the 2006 Asian Games, 2007 All-England and 2007 and 2010 Malaysian Open. They also reached the final of the 2010 World Championships in Paris.
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Being described as a "legend", as BAM deputy president Datuk Norza Zakaria puts it, is also a rather generous description.
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"We have lost a big asset. Any sportsman will have his ups and downs but Kien Keat is considered a legend in the badminton fraternity. He should be treated as a champion by all concerned," said Norza.
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The 2007 All-England Championship Final Match Is Regarded As One Of The Best Performances From The Duo
And The Pair Stormed Their Way To Become The World's 1st Ranked Doubles In 2010!
Koo paired with Tan in 2006 and went on to become the world's first ranked doubles in 2010.
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At the 2009 Japan Super Series, Boon Heong set the world record for badminton smashes at 421 km/h. This was done under lab conditions and recorded by Yonex representatives, and not in an official match.
However, The Pair Had Been Under Heavy Criticism For Their Declining Prowess Over The Last Three Years
National No. 1 Kien Keat and Boon Heong had been under heavy fire for some time, and it escalated after their first-round defeat in the Malaysian Open at Putra Stadium in January.
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Following the defeat and their constant failure to win any major tournaments since nailing the 2010 Malaysian Open, the BAM council then decided to withdraw their participation from all international tournaments.
thestar.com.myIt led to world No. 7 Kien Keat-Boon Heong being dropped for the German Open, starting in Mulheim on Wednesday (26th Feb), and the All-England in Birmingham from March 4-9.
thestar.com.myWith The News Of His Resignation, What About The Future His Partner, Tan Boon Heong?
Boon Heong on the other hand, will have the opportunity to resurrect his career with a new partner.
Norza said BAM will have to find Koo's replacement to face several big tournaments including the Thomas Cup from May 18-25 in New Delhi, India.
themalaysianinsider.com