ST Picks Loh Kean Yew s latest juggling act

SINGAPORE – His main goals have not changed – become an Olympic champion and rise to world No. 1 – but the responsibilities have.

The past 12 months have seen several key changes to Loh Kean Yew’s life as the Singapore badminton star became a father in July and had a coaching change in January.

So, at the start of 2025, the 27-year-old wrote down new targets on top of doing well at the May 27-June 1 KFF Singapore Open, world championships and SEA Games: “Earn money, be a good dad and spend more time with family.”

Not losing sight of his dream of winning an Olympic gold and becoming the top-ranked player to inspire the younger generation, Loh is now very much motivated by his own son and wife these days.

He shared that as he juggles changing nappies and retrieving smashes from the world’s best players, he is able to continue being a touring badminton pro, thanks to his wife’s support.

Loh told The Straits Times on May 26: “I’ve been more of a badminton player than a father. I also want to spend more time with my son and my wife. This is why, whenever I can, I’ll try my best to be with them, and do whatever I can – change his diapers, play with him, feed him, nap with him, put him to bed – to let my wife rest.

“She has been very understanding... There’s not much I can do to help her at home when I’m not around, so I need to do my part, which is play the best I can.

“After having a baby, there are many things I don’t see as important any more. I just want to focus on my badminton and be a good role model for my