KUALA LUMPUR: Men's doubles Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani are still national players as far as the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) is concerned, insists its coaching director Rexy Mainaky.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin, who reportedly yesterday were set to quit the national team, are currently training as usual at Academy Badminton of Malaysia, and will compete in back-to-back assignments, the Japan Open (Aug 20-25) and Korea Open (Aug 27-Sept 1).
Rexy, neither confirming nor denying the report, said the matter will be brought to the attention of the BAM council, which will meet later this month.
"We cannot respond to something that is still uncertain," said Rexy after the post-Olympics press conference held at the ABM today.
"The BAM council will discuss this matter in the upcoming meeting, after which a decision will be made and an answer will be given.
"They are still training as usual here and will participate in the Japan and Korea Opens," Rexy added.
Buletin Utama reported yesterday that world No. 13 Sze Fei-Izzuddin have decided to quit the national team and turn professional.
Following a brief split, Sze Fei-Izzuddin reunited in the middle of last year but failed in their late bid to qualify for the Paris Olympics.
Given how things unfolded in the national team in recent years, BAM will probably not stand in Sze Fei-Izzuddin's way if they intend to resume their careers as independent players.
BAM had released some of its established senior players such as men's doubles Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, as well as mixed doubles Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai and Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing.
Both Sze Fei and Izzuddin,
at 27, would be viewed as players who have reached their peak, and with their current stature, still be able to entice sponsors.
They did show signs of revival of late, finishing runners-up at the Asian Championships, and turning in an inspiring performance to help Malaysia reach the Thomas Cup semi-finals.
First paired up in 2016 by then head coach Cheah Soon Kit, Sze Fei-Izzuddin are one of the longest-lasting men's doubles partnerships in the world, but did not fulfil their potential.
Now into their ninth year together, they have only managed to secure two career-best Super 300 titles, including the 2022 German Open.