After stepping away from the coaching spotlight for nearly seven years, Datuk Cheah Soon Kit, one of Malaysia’s most iconic badminton figures, is making a return to the court — but this time, his journey will take him overseas to Europe.
The 57-year-old former men’s doubles star, who famously secured a silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, has revealed he will soon begin a short-term coaching role abroad, marking a significant chapter in his post-playing career.
Soon Kit Set for New Chapter Abroad After Years Away from Coaching
Speaking at the launch event for the film “Sentuhan Wira” — a cinematic tribute to Malaysia’s legendary 1992 Thomas Cup-winning team — Soon Kit shared insights into his upcoming return to coaching.
“I’ll be heading overseas next month, though it’s only for a short time,” said Soon Kit. “It’s a brief assignment, about six weeks long, and I can confirm it will be in Europe. I’ve never coached abroad before, but after receiving several invitations, I decided to accept.”
Despite remaining tight-lipped about the exact location and nature of the job, Soon Kit emphasized that the opportunity intrigued him due to its unique circumstances and limited duration.
“It’s a temporary engagement, so I probably shouldn’t say too much at this point,” he added with a smile.
A Decorated Career and a Quiet Exit from BAM
Soon Kit was last active as a coach with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), where he led the men’s doubles squad. His contract was not renewed in 2018, bringing his official coaching duties to an abrupt pause.
Since then, he has remained out of the coaching limelight, focusing on personal projects and mentoring from afar. However, his passion for the sport never waned.
Keeping an Eye on Malaysia’s Rising Doubles Stars
Though not directly involved with the national team in recent years, Soon Kit has stayed updated with Malaysia’s progress — particularly in the men’s doubles division, where a resurgence has been underway.
He expressed optimism about the current generation of shuttlers, praising their recent form:
- Aaron Chia – Soh Wooi Yik, currently the world’s No. 2 pair, have had a stellar season, clinching titles at the Asian Championships, Thailand Open, and Singapore Open.
- Man Wei Chong – Tee Kai Wun have made a major impact as well, rising to world No. 7 and capturing trophies at the Indonesia Masters and Malaysia Masters.
- Fazriq Razif – Bryan Jeremy Goonting, an up-and-coming pair, recently silenced critics by winning the Sri Lanka International Challenge, signaling their steady improvement.
Advice from a Legend: Stay Focused and Handle the Pressure
Reflecting on Malaysia’s recent success, Soon Kit expressed hope that the players will maintain their momentum heading into the second half of the season.
“As a Malaysian and someone who’s been through the grind, I obviously want them to continue their good run. But it’s not easy. They need to stay hungry, remain consistent, and learn how to manage pressure—because pressure is what separates the good from the great,” he noted.
“Now that they’ve proven themselves, the real challenge is to maintain that standard. That’s going to take even more work.”
Legacy in Motion: From Olympic Podiums to Global Coaching
Soon Kit’s return to the coaching fold, albeit temporarily, is a reminder of the depth of experience and knowledge he brings to the sport. Having competed and triumphed on the biggest stages — including the Thomas Cup and the Olympics — his insights are invaluable to any team or athlete aiming to reach the top.
While this European stint may be brief, it signals that his journey in badminton is far from over. As Malaysia continues to rise in international badminton, legends like Soon Kit remain vital to the sport’s evolution — at home and now, abroad.
ALSO READ :
