KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Badminton Association of Malaysia said Tuesday that men's doubles pair Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong, silver medalists of 2016 Olympic Games, had quitted the national badminton team.
Goh and Tan's withdrawal from the national team came shortly after the departure of their teammates, Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying, who were also 2016 Olympic silver medalists.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) said it appreciated the service of the pair for sharing the values, principles and philosophy of the Association during their 17-year term with the national team.
"After careful consideration and following discussions with various stakeholders, BAM has reached the decision to accept the resignations tendered by men's doubles pair, Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong effective Jan 5, 2019.
"BAM wishes the former world No. 1 pair well as they embark on the next phase of their storied career," the statement added.
Goh and Tan, both 29, were reported to have been under pressure for some time, having failed to win a title in two years after a remarkable 2016. They ranked 14th in Badminton World Federations (BWF)'s latest rankings.
The 2016 Rio Olympics silver medalists became the second notable names to leave the national team after mixed doubles pair Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying in mid-December.
Chan and partner Goh had resigned from the Association to pursue an independent path.
