For rising Malaysian badminton star Eng Ler Qi, life off the court is just as fulfilling as her time on it. While most athletes wind down with rest or digital distractions, the reigning Under-18 national girls’ singles champion finds her peace in a rather unexpected place—the kitchen.
Yes, when she’s not smashing shuttlecocks across the net, Ler Qi is often seen whipping up cakes, cookies, and pastries, all made with her own hands. The 17-year-old has developed a deep love for baking, a hobby she picked up on her own and now considers her go-to method for mental relaxation and emotional balance.
“Baking helps me take my mind off badminton,” Ler Qi shared. “I taught myself how to bake, and over time, it has become a calming outlet for me. With daily training being so intense, it’s important to have something that helps me unwind. Baking does exactly that.”
A Sweet Escape from Intense Training
As someone who undergoes rigorous training sessions almost daily under the guidance of coach Misbun Ramdan, it’s no surprise that Ler Qi needs a creative and soothing escape. While many young athletes struggle to maintain mental clarity during high-stress preparations, she seems to have found the perfect remedy in flour, sugar, and eggs.
“It gives me something positive to focus on during my downtime,” she added. “After a good baking session, I always feel more refreshed and ready to return to court.”
Preparing for Her Biggest Test Yet: The Asian Junior Championships
Currently, Ler Qi is shifting her full focus to the 2024 Asian Junior Championships, set to take place from July 18–27 in Solo, Indonesia. It will be her first appearance at the continental-level event, and expectations are already building.
She will represent Malaysia alongside fellow singles shuttlers Oo Shan Zi, Lim Zhi Shin, Low Zi Yu, and Lee Mun. With a strong lineup, the national team is hopeful of securing podium finishes.
“This will be my debut in the Asian Juniors, and I’m both nervous and excited,” Ler Qi said. “There are just a few weeks left, and I’m training hard every day. I want to give my very best and hopefully make Malaysia proud.”
International Experience in Europe a Crucial Step Forward
Ler Qi isn’t entering the Asian Juniors without international exposure. Last month, she competed in a string of senior-level European tournaments, which she credits for giving her much-needed experience at a higher level of play.
Among the events she participated in, the Slovak Open stood out as her best showing—Ler Qi fought her way to the semi-finals, a significant milestone in her development.
“Playing in Europe helped me measure myself against more experienced players,” she explained. “Although the tournaments weren’t top-tier, I still learned a lot about my game—especially the areas I need to improve.”
One of those areas is physicality. Ler Qi acknowledged that to compete with the continent’s best, she needs to further enhance her strength and power—two key attributes she’s currently sharpening with coach Ramdan.
Chasing a Medal and Following in Big Footsteps
As she sets her sights on the Asian Juniors, Ler Qi knows she must elevate her performance if she wants to bring home a medal. Siti Zulaikha Azmi, who won bronze in the girls’ singles at last year’s edition, has set a strong benchmark for her to follow.
The pressure is there, but with her mix of discipline, creative outlets like baking, and competitive experience, Ler Qi looks better equipped than ever to make a splash in Solo.
Whether it’s serving aces on the court or serving pastries at home, Eng Ler Qi continues to prove that success in sport is not just about physical talent—it’s also about maintaining mental clarity and emotional resilience. As she heads into the 2024 Asian Junior Championships, all eyes will be on this young star, who’s showing the world that passion, both on and off the court, is the true recipe for success.
ALSO READ :
