MIXED doubles shuttler Tan Kian Meng will quit the national team to continue playing with his partner, Lai Pei Jing, as independent players.
His decision came days after BAM announced that they were parting ways with Pei Jing and four other elite players — Soniia Cheah (women's singles), Vivian Hoo (women's doubles), Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Lai (mixed doubles).
The five players were dropped following a performance review.
Although Kian Meng was not one of the five, the 27-year-old believes he has a better chance of realising his Olympic dreams with Pei Jing.
"I thought hard and long about this. I know it's a long shot but I don't want to have any regrets.
"I believe that Pei Jing and I still have a chance of reaching the Olympics this year, and I want to fight for it.
"Many thanks to BAM for wanting to give me another chance in the national set-up but I decided to stay on with my partner Pei Jing.
"We will start training on our own this coming Monday," Kian Meng told Timesport yesterday.
Earlier, BAM confirmed that they will support Soon Huat-Shevon and Soniia to compete in the European circuit next month, as they stand a more realistic chance of qualifying for the Olympics.
These players will remain at the Academy Badminton Malaysia until the end of the month.
Kian Meng said he and Pei Jing will play in all three tournaments in Europe — Swiss Open (March 2-7), German Open (March 9-14) and the All England (March 17-22) — which marks the start of the 2021 season.
The Swiss and German Opens also offer Olympic qualifying points.
"Even if we are not funded, Pei Jing and I will continue to play in all three tournaments," added Kian Meng.