National Badminton Athlete, Goh Jin Wei Retires At 21 y/o Due To Health Complications

By Quinny Tan  •  15 Sep 2021 in News

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You might already think that athletes retire relatively early, having already reached the peak of their career by age 30. But that’s not the case for this Malaysian.

21 year-old national shuttler, Goh Jin Wei announced two days ago that she was retiring from the sport due to health reasons. Several days prior to this, she was selected for the Malaysian Uber Cup squad.

A video posted on YouTube featured the details of her early retirement and colectomy. Jin Wei had previously undergone a colectomy surgery in 2019 and has been “taking more and more meds every day.”

“I have lots of regrets, but I believe that life will still go on,” says the former SEA Games champion. “I am sorry for making it this far only to retire now.”

Jin Wei, who has been representing the nation since she was 14, had been among Malaysia’s hopes for the Paris Olympics in 2024 despite battling her stomach ailment since January.

“So for the sake of health, I have decided to end my career now. There’s definitely a lot of regret but it’s still a long road ahead. I believe if I stay positive and work hard there’ll be a chance again in the future.”

“I’m really thankful to the Penang BA and BAM (BA of Malaysia), NSC (National Sports Council), NSI (National Sports Institute), Tan Sri Norza Zakaria (BAM president), all my teammates, friends and fans.”

“I’m really sorry for not being able to fulfil my potential and I hope that my good friends – Zii Jia and Lai Pei Jing – can continue fighting hard to complete my dream,” said Jin Wei.

The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) revealed they had gone to the extent of offering Goh Jin Wei overseas expertise to treat her prolonged stomach ailment, but the national women’s singles shuttler just could not continue playing professionally.

“When we discussed her medical problems, I told her I am willing to get her overseas treatment. That was my offer, she said she will think about it,” says BAM president Norza Zakaria.

Several of Goh’s national team-mates, including Lee Zii Jia, Lai Pei Jing and Soniia Cheah, wished her the best for the future.

“I will move forward to help achieve my little sister’s dream. This is the only thing I can promise you right now. You are brave, you don’t need to be sad,” said Lee.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Goh Jin Wei (@jinweigoh)

Stadium Astro announced that in Goh’s absence, the national contingent will rely on the likes of S.Kisona, Eoon Qi Xuan and K. Letshanaa to shoulder the women’s singles challenge at the Sudirman Cup (September 26-October 3) and Uber Cup (October 9-17).

Get well soon, Jin Wei! Our hearts are with you.