Koo's withdrawal from BAM is a big loss

The withdrawal of Koo Kien Keat from the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) is a big loss to national badminton. BAM deputy president Datuk Mohamad Norza Zakaria said they accepted and respected Koo's decision the decision to leave the main badminton body. "After discussion with several BAM supreme council members today, we accepted Koo's decision to leave the BAM." He said Koo is a champion and his partnership with Tan Boon Heong brought huge success for the country. "BAM is pleased to accept Koo hould he decide to return or wants to become mentor to new players. We are sad to see him go but this is the best thing for him and BAM," he told a press conference at Juara Stadium, Bukit Kiara here. Norza said BAM will have to find Koo's replacement to face several big tournaments including the Thomas Cup from May 18-25 in New Delhi, India. Koo started his professional career at age 17 pairing with Chan Chong Ming in the 2004 Thomas Cup campaign. They won the bronze medal at the 2005 World Badminton Championship. Koo paired with Tan in 2006 and went on to become the world's first ranked doubles in 2010. They also won the gold medal at 2006 Doha Asian Games, 2007 Malaysian Open champion and 2007 All-England Champion. Meanwhile, Koo said the decision to leave BAM is timely and hopes that Tan will achieve bigger success with a new partner. "The decision to leave BAM is not due to unhappiness with any party. I got too much criticism and I do not want it to affect my family. "I feel sad to leave Tan. We were together for more than seven years and tasted victory and defeat. "It is difficult to make this decision but I had to. Tan is still young and has plenty of time to achieve success." Koo who will become a father soon said he has no intention to quit the badminton scene. "Being a champion is easy but to remain as a champion is hard. Players should emulate Datuk Lee Chong Wei and see how he managed to remain competitive until now."