HE would not have reached the Olympic mixed doubles final if not for Chin Eei Hui, said 2016 Rio Olympics silver medallist Chan Peng Soon upon hearing that the contract of his former coach, Eei Hui, was not renewed by BAM.
Timesport reported yesterday that three former head coaches, Eei Hui, Rosman Razak and Wong Pei Tty were dropped by the national body.
Eei Hui, a recipient of the Best Female Coach in the 2016 National Sports Awards, was the former national mixed doubles head coach before she was moved to the women's doubles department this year.
Rosman and Pei Tty had stints as women's doubles head coach before the appointment of Chan Chong Ming in May.
"I am lost for words, I did not expect to hear this news," said a shocked Peng Soon yesterday.
"Eei Hui was a great coach. Honestly, Liu Ying and I would not have reached the (mixed doubles) final of the Olympics if not for her.
"She was not just our coach but a dear friend.
"I remember her sitting with us, analysing opponents and discussing strategies with us like it was yesterday.
"I am very sad," added Peng Soon, who together with Liu Ying, quit the national team in 2018.
Peng Soon, who makes the World No 7 pair with Liu Ying, hopes his former coach would be able to secure a job soon, especially in these trying Covid-19 times.
"Sad case isn't it? If Eei Hui had to leave and coach a foreign team. Same thing happened with another former coach, Jeremy (Gan), who is now with Japan's national team.
"I wish Eei Hui all the best. She is a great coach and she deserves the best," added Peng Soon.