Teh willing to go the distance to hit badminton goals

Jason Teh has set his sights on an Olympic debut at the Los Angeles Games in 2028.

- David Lee

Though they are more than three years away, the hard work begins now, as the badminton player plans to compete in more tournaments in order to gain valuable experience, move up the rankings ladder and eventually earn his ticket to the United States.

And this Chinese New Year, he will be on the road competing at the Jan 28-Feb 2 Thailand Masters instead of tucking into reunion dinner and visiting the temple with his family.

The 24-year-old told The Straits Times: "We don't see it as a loss if I cannot make it for the gatherings, as my family is supportive of my ambition. This is a crucial period for me as I try to push up my world ranking from the 30s by playing more tournaments this year."

The journey to the Olympics began for the Penang-born player in Johor Bahru, where as a child he trained with China's former world champion Han Jian at the Setia Badminton Academy.

Then aged 11, he had to wake up in the wee hours as his father drove him across the Causeway to Montfort Primary School. His day began at 3am and after classes ended at 1.30pm, the duo would return to JB for badminton training from 4 to 6pm at the Rising Star Academy.