The five elite shuttlers, who were dropped unceremoniously by the BA of Malaysia (BAM) yesterday, are pleading for a better ending.
Soniia Cheah (women's singles), Vivian Hoo (women's doubles), Goh Soon Huat, Shevon Lai and Lai Pei Jing (mixed doubles) are hoping the national body would consider supporting them, at least for next month's European circuit, which will mark the start of the 2021 season.
The season starts with the Swiss Open on March 2-7, followed by the German Open (March 9-14) and the All England (March 17-22).
The Swiss and German Opens are crucial to some of these shuttlers, who are still in the running to qualify for this year's Tokyo Olympics.
"Times are tough, especially now in this pandemic. I had always hoped to part ways on a better note," said Vivian, whose partner, Yap Cheng Wen is still in the national squad.
"I have been a national player for the last 18 years. I hope BAM would at least consider supporting us for the European circuit before we part ways," added the 31-year-old former Commonwealth and Sea Games champion.
While the Olympic dream is all but over for Vivian, it is not for the three mixed doubles players — Soon Huat, Shevon and Pei Jing.
Soon Huat-Shevon are currently ranked No 11 on the Race to Tokyo list, while Pei Jing and her partner, Tan Kian Meng (who was retained by BAM) are two rungs below at No 13.
A nation is allowed a maximum representation of two pairs at the Olympics provided both are ranked in the top eight at the end of the qualifying period in May.
"The European circuit is too crucial for us," said Shevon.
"We are all still fighting to qualify for the Olympics.
"We really hope BAM would be kind enough to fund us for these tournaments," added Shevon, who has been a part of the national setup for the past 15 years.
Unlike the other four, Soniia Cheah is the only shuttler who has technically qualified for the Olympics by virtue of being the highest-ranked Malaysian women's singles.