By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Oct 20: The Sarawak Badminton Association (SBA) hopes rising badminton star Genevie Lim, who was once dropped by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) due to health issues, can overcome the odds and eventually represent Malaysia at the Olympic Games as she prepares to compete at senior level.
SBA secretary Datuk Dr Wan Khalik Wan Muhammad said the association was proud of Lim’s remarkable comeback, which culminated in her historic women’s doubles triumph at the World Junior Championships 2026 in Cairo, Egypt.
He said the 18-year-old had demonstrated resilience and commitment after being dropped by BAM more than a year ago, with SBA stepping in to support her return to competitive badminton.
“We are very proud because this is a beautiful moment for Sarawak badminton and also Malaysia,” he said when accompanying Lim on a courtesy call on Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUNS) Complex media room today.
Wan Khalik said SBA had taken Lim back into its fold, providing her with training and opportunities to compete in tournaments to help rebuild her career.
Following her performances at the national Under-18 and Under-21 tournaments, SBA, on the recommendation of its president Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, recommended that BAM reinstate her.
He said the association was encouraged by her determination in training and competition, which eventually helped her secure a place back in the national setup.
Lim subsequently won a bronze medal at the Asia Junior Championships in Japan before going on to achieve a historic milestone at the World Junior Championships with her partner Low Zi Yu.
The Malaysian pair defeated Japan’s Nijika Kamata and Shizuku Kashio 15-7, 9-15, 15-12 in the women’s doubles final, becoming the first Malaysian pair to win the title since the championships began in 1992.
Wan Khalik said Lim’s latest achievement had paved the way for her to train full-time under BAM and be absorbed into the national senior team.
Although she will only turn 19 next year, he said her performances had earned her the opportunity to train alongside senior players.
“We hope that Genevie will be among Sarawakians, like diving queen Datuk Pandelela Rinong Pamg, who could become an Olympian in badminton,” he said.
He added that the association hoped she would continue working hard and maintain her commitment as she takes the next step in her sporting career.
For Lim, the historic victory was a moment of immense pride as she looks ahead to a new chapter in badminton.
“I feel very grateful and, of course, super happy to be able to achieve this for the first time for Malaysia,” she said.
The 18-year-old, who has just completed school, said she was currently focusing on badminton full-time as she prepares for upcoming senior-level competitions.
“For now, I’ll be competing at senior level,” she said.
Lim’s journey from being dropped from the national setup to becoming a world junior champion highlights the importance of perseverance and support in nurturing young sporting talent.
Her achievement has also raised hopes that Sarawak can produce another athlete capable of reaching the Olympic stage, following the success of Pandelela, one of the State’s most prominent sporting figures. — DayakDaily
