AFTER two months of staying at home, national mixed doubles shuttler Lai Pei Jing is going to miss her mother profoundly.
Since the death of her father, Lai Kong, two years ago, the
"stay home" MCO has been the longest that Pei Jing has spent time with her mother, Hwee Wat Kiew.
Last week, the government gave BAM the green light to recall 16 shuttlers, under the Road to Tokyo programme, to resume training at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara on June 1.
Pei Jing, 28, who makes up the World No 11 pairing with Tan Kian Meng, is feeling heavy-hearted to leave her mother again.
"It has been two years since my father passed away and I have always been the one most distant from my family because of my career.
"Ever since my time at BJSS (Bukit Jalil Sports School), I hardly spend enough time with my family back in Kuantan.
"Somehow, this MCO has brought me closer to my family. Sadly, I will have to leave again," said Pei Jing, the third child of four siblings.
Despite feeling sad, Pei Jing has found herself with a new motivation.
Her chances of qualifying for the Olympics next year with Kian Meng may be slim, but she will not give up without a fight.
"The MCO has taught me that no matter how tough life gets, you got to keep moving forward.
"Just like my mom, who has not stopped caring for us even after our dad's passing.
"I want to believe that Kian Meng and I still have a chance of qualifying for the Olympics. We just need to work hard and do our best."
Pei Jing, who is one of the oldest shuttlers in the national squad, feels that the biggest challenge upon resuming training would be the gym sessions.
"I'm sure we have all lost a substantial amount of muscle mass, having not played competitive badminton over two months.
"We will need to build up our muscles and that will be the biggest challenge.
"Having said that, I am also sure that all the players are itching to get back on the court.
"Hopefully, the Covid-19 pandemic will come to an end soon," Pei Jing added.