Wee Kiong to share badminton tips.

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

By Olivia Miwil

KOTA KINABALU: Rio Olympics silver medalist Tan Wee Kiong hopes to help more youth gain success in their badminton careers through in academy in his hometown in Tawau. 

Malaysian men's doubles shuttler Tan, 27, and his family moved to Sabah from Johor in 2001. 

He said the Tawau Badminton Academy was run by his family to train locals interested in the sport. 

"I will share my experiences and tips in badminton with the students.

"My father, brother and coach (at the academy) also have vast experiences to share with them on how to be successful in badminton," he said, adding that he considered himself a local and would help Sabahans in terms of sports development. 

Tan was speaking after Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman presented an incentive of RM100,000 to him at the Chief Minister's official residence Seri Gaya here yesterday. 

Tan, who won silver with his partner Goh V Shem at the Rio Olympics, is on a tight training schedule to prepare for the upcoming Yonex Japan Open next month. 

Meanwhile, Tan described the meeting with Musa as a surprise and memorable. 

"It was an honour to meet the Chief Minister. It is not easy to meet him as he is a busy man. 

"It was a pleasant surprise to receive such a huge incentive and support from everyone."

Earlier, Musa said the state government awarded Tan with RM55,000 while the rest was from the private sector as a gesture of gratitude for Tan's contribution. 

Musa said Tan was a role model for young athletes to work hard and be dedicated in their training. 

Present were state Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Tawfiq Titingan, Sabah Badminton Association president Janih Bangud and Tan's father Cham Swe.