Loh Kean Yew, the badminton star from Singapore, is the former men’s singles world champion, winning the title at the 2021 BWF World Championships. He became the first Singaporean to achieve the feat.
Yew made his international debut for Singapore at the SEA Games 2015 , becoming a Singaporean citizen that same year. He went on to represent Singapore in several international competitions, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Loh Kean Yew: Journey From Malaysia To Singapore
Loh Kean Yew was born on 26 June 1997 in Penang, Malaysia, as the youngest son of four brothers, to his parents Loh Pin Keat and Grace Gan. He began playing badminton at the age of four, at the gate of his house, along with his brothers and his neighbour.
When he was nine, join the Penang state team, training with the Penang Badminton Association (PBA) until the age of 12, at their badminton academy in Ayer Itam.
Loh was not just alone in his endeavor. His elder brother Kean Hean, who is also a member of the Singapore national badminton team, also used to train with him under two Chinese coaches, Li Mu and Chao Yue. They used to train nine times a week, implying their determination and dedication.
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It was in 2007 that Loh visited Singapore for the first time to help his brother warm up during a trial at the Singapore Sports School. He moved to Singapore in 2029.
Meanwhile, Loh Kean Yew visited Singapore again in 2009 for his trial with the Singapore Sports School, where he gave a remarkable performance that earned him a place in the Singapore Sports School’s Badminton Academy. He even rejected a place in Malaysia’s Bukit Jalil Sports School for Singapore.
Move to Singapore
Loh Kean Yew moved to Singapore at the age of 13 to attend the Singapore Sports School’s four-year programme from 2010 to 2013, on a scholarship offered by the school. However, it was not easy for young Loh to adapt in a new country. He used to feel homesick but a call from his mother made him feel better.
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Loh credited his peers and school staff for taking care of him. From late 2011 onwards, Loh was coached by Kelvin Ho, a former Singapore national badminton player.
After graduating from the Singapore Sports School, Loh continued his education at Republic Polytechnic (RP), studying Sports and Leisure Management.
Also Read: Malaysia Looks To Revive Badminton Through BWF World Championships
Becoming Singaporean Citizen
Loh Kean Yew officially became a Singaporean citizen in 2015- the year he turned 18. This is when he informed his mother that he would wanted to drop school to focus on badminton. His family was reluctant on his decision but ultimately gave in to his wish. He eventually dropped out of Republic Polytechnic after one year of study.
After his National Service (NS) for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) from 2016 to 2018, Loh earned the rank of corporal first class (CFC). During his service, he continued to train and play badminton for the Singapore Armed Forces Sports Association (SAFSA), as well as representing his country at various major events such as the 2017 SEA Games and the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
