KUALA LUMPUR: What a turnaround it was for independent shuttler Goh Jin Wei in the past 12 months that even her main sponsor had no qualms about extending her contract even before it expired.
The 23-year-old two-time world junior champion has been rewarded by Li-Ning Malaysia with a fresh two-year deal that will see her continuing to be the brand ambassador until the end of 2024.
The extension could not have come at a better time as Jin Wei is currently gearing up for the Paris Olympics qualification which kicks off in May.
Jin Wei, whose career progress was curtailed by a stomach ailment in 2019, had first signed up for the sportswear giant on a two-year deal in February last year after turning professional.
Then she was ranked a lowly World No 128, but in just one year, she made a remarkable return to the top 32.
Thanks to a series of consistent performances last year which included coming in second at the Vietnam Open, Jin Wei currently sits No 31 in the BWF world rankings, reclaiming her status as the national No 1 in the process.
All Jin Wei needs to do now in order to earn her Olympic debut is to stay as the top-ranked Malaysian come April 30 next year.
"This contract extension really comes at the right time because the 'Race to Paris' qualifying competition will start in May. I can now fully focus on my mission to qualify for the Olympics without having to worry about financial matters," said Jin Wei, who will represent Malaysia at next week's Asia Mixed Team Championship in Dubai.
"I am really indebted to Li-Ning. Even if I have to start from the bottom, this company is still willing to sponsor me.
"I was also able to improve my ranking position to the point that I can now play in Super 750 level tournaments and above.
"The next challenge is to sharpen the quality of my game and hopefully be able to close the gap with the best players in the world.
"Most importantly, I hope to stay healthy and free from injury."
Li-Ning Malaysia brand marketing chief Teah Yann Ling said: "The decision to extend Jin Wei's contract was easy for us. She has put in a lot of efforts and managed to recover in such a short period of time. Her next goal is to qualify for the Olympics and of course, we want to continue to support her."
Meanwhile Li-Ning Malaysia has also signed up coach Rosman Razak and newly-turned-independent men's doubles pair Low Hang Yee-Ng Eng Cheong.