AT the start of the year, shuttlers Tan Kian Meng and Lai Pei Jing didn't give much thought to playing in the Commonwealth Games.
After the mixed doubles pair left BAM's set-up last year to become independent players, they were unsure about national assignments.
However, it was a pleasant surprise today for Kian Meng-Pei Jing to find out they had made the 10-member national team for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham next month.
"We must thank our strong start to the season and of course BAM for trusting us with this opportunity," said Pei Jing.
The duo are aware that their strong start to the season, which saw them winning the Korea Open in April, and reaching two semi-finals and two quarter-finals in other international tournaments, has led to BAM looking favourably on them.
However, Kian Meng-Pei Jing are aware that they need to buck up as the world No 9 have not cleared the first round in four consecutive Open tournaments since then.
Pei Jing, who partnered Chan Peng Soon at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, said: "Dreams do come true, because it has always been my dream to play in the Commonwealth Games again since my debut in 2014.
"It's one of my favourite tournaments, and I wish to have a memorable one with Kian Meng, who has never played in it before."
At the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Pei Jing missed out on a podium finish in the mixed doubles, when she and Peng Soon lost to Scotland's Robert Blair-Imogen Bankier in the bronze medal playoff. However, Peng Soon-Pei Jing picked up a gold in the mixed team event.
On their opponents in Birmingham, Pei Jing said apart from the players from Thomas Cup champions India, they will also face a stiff challenge from teams like England, Hong Kong and Scotland.
Kian Meng-Pei Jing are not the only professionals to make the national team, as Asian champion Lee Zii Jia and two-time former world junior champion Goh Jin Wei have also been included by BAM.
Commonwealth Games squad:
Men — Lee Zii Jia, Aaron Chia, Soh Wooi Yik, Chan Peng Soon, Tan Kian Meng
Women — Goh Jin Wei, Pearly Tan, M.Thinaah, Cheah Yee See, Lai Pei Jing.