In the ever-evolving world of badminton, where youth and speed often dominate the spotlight, a few experienced names continue to remind the world that class, composure, and resilience remain irreplaceable qualities. Among them are Malaysian stalwarts Goh V Shem and Shevon Jemie Lai Pei Jing, two seasoned campaigners who have weathered the storms of professional badminton and continue to stand tall against a new generation of energetic, fearless young guns.
At a time when many of their peers have either retired or transitioned into coaching, V Shem and Pei Jing remain steadfast in their pursuit of excellence. They have become living symbols of longevity and persistence—qualities that have come to define their careers in the fiercely competitive world of doubles badminton.
A Journey Marked by Experience and Determination
Goh V Shem’s name carries significant weight in Malaysian badminton history. A former Olympic silver medalist and multiple-time Superseries champion, he has been one of the country’s most dependable men’s doubles players for more than a decade. His thunderous smashes, quick reflexes at the net, and sharp tactical awareness have been the backbone of his success—traits that continue to shine even as he approaches the latter years of his professional career.
Meanwhile, Shevon Pei Jing has forged her own path in mixed doubles, becoming one of Malaysia’s most technically gifted and mentally resilient players. Her agility, deft touch, and remarkable court vision have made her an asset in every partnership she’s been part of. Over the years, she has proven her adaptability—transitioning between different partners, adjusting to changing playstyles, and learning to outsmart opponents rather than overpower them.
Together, V Shem and Pei Jing have become symbols of what it means to fight beyond expectation, to stay hungry despite the years of competition and the emergence of new, youthful challengers who look to claim their place on the international stage.
Adapting to a New Generation of Opponents
The badminton landscape has changed drastically over the last five years. The new generation of players—such as China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang, Indonesia’s Rinov Rivaldy and Pitha Haningtyas Mentari, or Japan’s Yuta Watanabe and Arisa Higashino—have brought with them explosive speed, athleticism, and a fearless style of play.
For veterans like V Shem and Pei Jing, adapting to this evolution has not been easy. The physical demands of the sport have intensified, and the rally pace has become faster than ever. Yet, both have responded not by resisting change but by embracing it.
In interviews, V Shem has often spoken about the importance of reinventing himself—of maintaining physical fitness while sharpening the tactical and psychological side of his game. “You can’t beat the young players purely on power anymore,” he once remarked. “You need to be smarter, more patient, and use your experience to control the rhythm.”
Pei Jing, on the other hand, has emphasized the mental battle. For her, staying composed in pressure moments and reading her opponents’ movements have become her greatest weapons. “The younger players hit hard and move fast,” she noted. “But sometimes they rush. That’s when experience gives you the edge—you know when to slow the game, when to attack, and when to wait.”
Their continued success against these rising stars proves that wisdom and patience can still triumph over youthful exuberance.
Facing Challenges On and Off the Court
While their longevity is admirable, the road has been anything but smooth. Injuries, partnership changes, and the demanding nature of the professional circuit have tested their resilience time and again.
For V Shem, the transition from playing alongside Tan Wee Kiong—his long-time partner and co-Olympic silver medalist—to new pairings required adjustment. Chemistry, after all, is critical in doubles badminton, and rebuilding that with someone new takes time. But he has shown admirable professionalism in every pairing, always maintaining the same level of commitment and intensity regardless of who stands beside him.
Pei Jing, too, has faced her fair share of hurdles. Over the years, she has had to manage physical strains and mental fatigue from constant travel and tournaments. Yet, what sets her apart is her mindset—a belief that every match, win or lose, contributes to her growth. “You can’t let one bad result define you,” she said in a recent interview. “Every setback is a lesson. If you stop learning, you stop growing.”
Their perseverance reflects not just their passion for the game, but also their love for representing Malaysia on the international stage. Both remain fiercely proud of wearing the national colors and continue to inspire younger players who look up to them as role models.
The Role of Leadership and Mentorship
Beyond their individual achievements, V Shem and Pei Jing’s influence extends deep into the Malaysian badminton community. As veterans, they have naturally transitioned into mentorship roles—guiding younger shuttlers through the pressures of professional play.
Training sessions often see them sharing insights with emerging talents, helping them understand not just the technical aspects but also the mental demands of the sport. Their presence brings balance to Malaysia’s doubles squads, offering both stability and wisdom in moments of uncertainty.
Pei Jing’s leadership is particularly evident in her interactions with the national women’s and mixed doubles players. She has become an older sister figure to many, often offering advice on maintaining motivation and managing expectations. “I tell them not to rush success,” she said. “Your time will come if you stay focused and keep improving.”
For V Shem, leadership comes through example. His relentless work ethic, attention to detail, and no-excuses attitude have earned him immense respect from teammates and coaches alike. Younger players often remark that training with him pushes them to reach higher standards—both physically and mentally.
Rediscovering Purpose and Passion
As they enter the twilight of their careers, both V Shem and Pei Jing have found renewed purpose in competing—not just to win, but to inspire. Every match is now an opportunity to prove that experience still has a place in modern badminton.
There’s also a sense of unfinished business. Despite their achievements, both still harbor ambitions of winning major titles, perhaps one more before they eventually decide to hang up their rackets. The hunger that drives them remains undiminished—a testament to their character and love for the sport.
For V Shem, the pursuit of excellence has never been about chasing fame or records. It’s about self-mastery. “Badminton has given me everything,” he once said. “I play because I still enjoy the challenge—because every time I step on court, I still feel that fire.”
Similarly, Pei Jing has spoken about the emotional connection she feels toward badminton. The court, for her, is not just a place of competition but of expression—a space where she can channel her emotions, creativity, and discipline into performance. “I want to keep playing as long as I can give my best,” she affirmed. “When the day comes that I can’t, then I’ll stop. But not yet.”
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