It has been three years since Goh Liu Ying and Chan Peng Soon last played together professionally. They were once the No. 1 mixed badminton pair. After their split in 2021, they each went their separate ways. The pair made history in 2016 by winning a silver medal in mixed doubles at the Rio Olympics, cementing their status as national heroes. Since then, however, their paths diverged—until they were unexpectedly brought back together by pickleball. This year, the duo began playing the sport for fun, participating in social games and competitions. Pickleball, which blends elements from various racquet sports, has become an enjoyable new pursuit for both of them.
Beyond the Court: Goh Liu Ying’s Life After Badminton
At 35, Goh Liu Ying retired from competitive badminton after the 2023 Malaysian Open, officially marking the end of her career on the court. Since then, she has shifted her focus to her personal life, including her marriage and raising her child. Despite stepping away from competition, Liu Ying has stayed deeply involved in the sports world. She manages her own GLY Badminton Academy, runs a sports agency called Wellsport, and even operates a gown rental shop named Tuilerie.
Although she no longer competes due to concerns about injury, Liu Ying remains passionate about badminton. She finds pickleball particularly appealing because it shares similarities with racquet sports but carries a lower risk of injury. In essence, while she has moved away from professional badminton to focus on family and business, Liu Ying continues to play an influential role in the sports community. She enjoys playing pickleball, which has become a new passion. Additionally, she remains dedicated to supporting the development of badminton in Malaysia.
Chan Peng Soon: From Player to Coach, Expanding Badminton and Pickleball in Malaysia
After retiring from professional badminton, Chan Peng Soon has shifted his focus to coaching. He is now dedicated to growing both badminton and pickleball. He recently opened a sports facility in USJ 1, which includes 16 badminton courts and 18 pickleball courts. This venue will serve as the home for his CPS Badminton Academy. “I find pickleball suitable for all ages,” Peng Soon explained, highlighting that it is less physically demanding than badminton.
While he is excited about pickleball’s potential, he acknowledged that reaching a professional level still requires significant practice. Despite his enthusiasm for pickleball, badminton remains his “first love.” Peng Soon’s new facility will officially open next month. Although he no longer competes internationally, both he and Goh Liu Ying continue to support sports development at the grassroots level.
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