National mixed doubles shuttler Toh Ee Wei targets a balanced 2026, focusing on health and rediscovering joy after a pressure-filled 2025 season
NATIONAL mixed doubles shuttler Toh Ee Wei is targeting an injury-free, balanced, and enjoyable 2026 season.
The 25-year-old admitted that expectations and self-imposed pressure had taken a toll recently.
“Recently, we have put too much pressure on ourselves, but we hope to enjoy playing badminton more,” she told reporters after a court testing session at Axiata Arena.
Ee Wei and partner Chen Tang Jie were crowned 2025 world champions in Paris last August.
They have won only one title since that triumph, the Australian Open 2025 last November.
The pair also settled for a bronze medal at last month’s SEA Games Thailand 2025 despite being fielded as the top seeds.
Asked about expectations for the Malaysia Open 2026, Ee Wei said she hopes to deliver their best performance.
She aims to bring joy to home fans in the season opener.
Beyond personal goals, Ee Wei hopes badminton will continue to unite Malaysians.
She believes the sport can inspire greater appreciation when played with freedom and passion.
On their opening match, they face Indonesia’s Jafar Hidayatullah and Felisha Alberta Nathaniel Pasaribu.
Tang Jie expects a tough contest despite holding a perfect 6-0 head-to-head record.
“It is always tough playing against them, but we will be ready and give our all to try to win,” he said.
The Malaysia Open 2026 kicks off tomorrow and runs until Jan 11.
