EGOISTIC shuttlers will not be entertained as the national coaches start planning for the 2016 Olympics after the World Championships in August.
National doubles coach Pang Cheh Chang wants all his charges to stay level-headed and not become cocky.
The former international has had bad experiences with big-headed players who attained short-term success in the past. He is hoping those in the current squad will continue to work hard in training and record good results.
Cheh Chang will finalise his new pairings, if any, after the world meet in Copenhagen.
The scratch pairing of Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong, who were unbeaten in last month’s Thomas Cup, could become permanent partners after the world championships while Tan Boon Heong will pair up with Hoon Thien How.
Critics believe V Shem-Wee Kiong are Malaysia’s best bet for a gold medal in the Olympics but Cheh Chang does not want to have high hopes yet.
V Shem-Wee Kiong will team up in the Australia Open (June 24-29) before they compete in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games (July 21-Aug 4).
However, V Shem will resume his partnership with Lim Khim Wah in the Indonesia Open (June 17-22) and in the world championships.
“It is important that my players stay level-headed for the Olympics. V Shem-Wee Kiong are competing in only two competitions as I do not want them to be affected by short-term achievements,” said Cheh Chang at Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara yesterday.
“I could have decided on turning them into regular partners immediately after the Thomas Cup but I did not as I want to test other options.
“I want them to keep learning with different partners. It will turn them into mature players. I will decide on the new pairings after the world meet.
“I am also trying out Boon Heong with V Shem in the Japan Open. This untested partnership is the other option for the Olympics.
“I need to decide on the new pairings early because the scheduling for next season has been changed with no events in January and February,” said Cheh Chang. By Ajitpal Singh
