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Badminton is doing more than just rallying shuttles across a net; it’s building bridges between China and Malaysia. Kenny Goh Chee Keong, Secretary General of both the Badminton Association of Malaysia and Badminton Asia, recently discussed how the sport is fostering friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
In an interview with CGTN Sports Scene’s Zhu Mandan, Goh emphasized the importance of youth development programs in both countries. “Badminton has been ingrained in Malaysian culture for decades,” he said. “Our national team thrives because of a strong youth development system.”
China’s vast population offers a significant advantage, allowing for a larger pool of young talent. Goh highlighted this, saying, “China’s sheer number of young players is impressive. It pushes us to innovate and improve our own programs.”
Gender equality is also on the agenda. “We’re working hard to promote equal opportunities for all players,” Goh noted. “It’s vital for the growth of the sport.”
The collaboration doesn’t stop at youth programs. Goh expressed his hope for more joint badminton initiatives. Currently, Chinese provinces and Malaysian states are engaging in exchange events, strengthening ties through friendly competition.
“Both our associations support each other’s players whenever they compete abroad,” Goh explained. “We’ve learned a lot from China about hosting international competitions, and we look forward to deeper cooperation in the future.”
For young athletes and fans alike, this burgeoning partnership spells exciting times ahead. As badminton continues to unite China and Malaysia, the future of the sport looks brighter than ever.
