KUALA LUMPUR – Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has urged national badminton doubles and mixed doubles players to fully commit to the Road to Gold (RTG) programme and avoid making unilateral decisions to split up, stressing that government investment is focused on the pairs as a unit rather than on individual players.
Hannah’s remarks follow the announcement from the RTG committee that 16 athletes have been selected for the programme this year. The athletes chosen meet the criteria of being ranked in the world’s top 10 in their respective events or having previously secured an Olympic medal.
To remain in the RTG programme for the following year, athletes must maintain a top-eight world ranking, finish in the top eight at the World Championships, or earn a medal at either the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow or the Asian Games in Nagoya.
For the 2027–2028 cycle, athletes will be required to rank in the world’s top four, place in the top four at the World Championships, or qualify on merit for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Athletes’ performances will be reviewed every six months throughout this year, though the review cycle may be shortened as LA2028 approaches.
Hannah, who also chairs the RTG committee, emphasised the need for discipline and accountability, as the programme is government-funded.
“We’ve decided to revise the selection criteria because it’s unrealistic to expect someone ranked in the top 10 to suddenly deliver an Olympic gold medal. Targeting the top four in the final two years is a more realistic approach.
“This year, RM10 million has been allocated to RTG; however, that figure may change over the coming years depending on the number of athletes in the programme. Fewer athletes may mean a smaller allocation.
“We also want to see strong commitment from the athletes who have signed contracts with us. The government is investing in these athletes, and we expect them to deliver results for the country.
“We cannot have athletes in RTG this year suddenly deciding next year or the year after that they no longer wish to compete.
“(Likewise), we cannot afford situations where doubles or mixed doubles players decide to part ways on their own terms. We need discipline from our athletes to ensure accountability.
“(For instance), from the current list of selected athletes, the country has invested significantly in Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, (who recently considered splitting), and they’ve shown great progress. I want to ensure that the Badminton Association of Malaysia and these players remain committed—they must not make such decisions unilaterally,” Hannah said at a press conference at Menara KBS today.
She added that RTG coordinator Datuk Stuart Ramalingam and the RTG secretariat will meet with athletes to go over contract terms alongside their respective national sports associations.
Meanwhile, badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei said all players—including Tang Jie and Ee Wei—should make the most of the RTG programme, which plays a crucial role in Malaysia’s continued quest for the elusive Olympic gold.
“All athletes should seize this opportunity, including Tang Jie and Ee Wei. They should reconsider and explore how they can benefit from the support provided. I hope they will accept it.
“But it’s not just about them—I hope all athletes will come forward and join RTG. This isn’t a programme that merely offers names or sponsorships—it provides sincere support, from physiotherapy and nutrition to equipment.
“It doesn’t matter whether they are under BAM or independent—this is a fair opportunity for all our athletes,” said the former world number one.
Athletes selected for RTG 2025:
Badminton — Aaron Chia, Soh Wooi Yik, Pearly Tan, M. Thinaah, Chen Tang Jie, Toh Ee Wei, Goh Sze Fei, Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, Goh Soon Huat, Shevon Lai, Man Wei Chong, Tee Kai Woon, Lee Zii Jia
Track cycling — Shah Firdaus Sahrom, Izzah Izzati Asri
Weightlifting — Aniq Kasdan
— April 15, 2025