Tan Wee Kiong reached the pinnacle of the sport in November 2016, when he secured the world number one ranking in men's doubles. A Malaysian badminton specialist born in Bukit Gambir on 21 May 1989, he carved a path through the international circuit, most notably as an Olympic silver medalist during the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Early Development and Junior Success
Introduced to badminton at age six, Tan progressed through the national sporting structure by joining the Bukit Jalil Sport School at thirteen. His early competitive years focused on mixed doubles, where he claimed a gold medal at the 2007 Asian Junior Championships alongside Woon Khe Wei. Despite seeded status at the 2006 and 2007 World Junior Championships, he faced fourth-round exits in both tournaments.
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Following a period of shifting partners, including Mak Hee Chun and Hoon Thien How, Tan found significant success starting in 2014. Partnering with Goh V Shem during the 2014 Thomas Cup, he helped Malaysia reach the finals. Shortly thereafter, the duo claimed gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, defeating top-seeded English and Singaporean opponents. Later that year, they secured a bronze medal at the Asian Games after reaching the semifinals.
Olympic Achievement and Career Peaks
The partnership with Goh V Shem flourished in 2016, resulting in a silver medal at the Rio Olympics after a narrow final-match loss to Fu Haifeng and Zhang Nan. The pair followed this achievement with titles at the 2016 Denmark Open and the Dubai World Superseries Finals. By the end of 2016, they stood at the top of the world rankings, a milestone previously achieved by only four other Malaysian men's doubles pairs.
Transition and Continued Play
After a temporary split, Tan resumed his professional collaboration with Goh in early 2018 to bolster the Malaysian squad for the Thomas Cup. The partnership eventually concluded in August 2021. Tan subsequently transitioned to a new pairing with Tan Kian Meng, reaching the finals of the 2021 Dutch Open during their inaugural tournament together.
Fast facts
- Born: 21 May 1989, Bukit Gambir, Malaysia
- Olympic Medal: Silver (2016)
- Career-high World Ranking: No. 1 (November 2016)
- Spouse: Chia Shi Leng
- Commonwealth Games: Gold medalist
- Education: Bukit Jalil Sport School
- Professional debut: 2014 Thomas Cup
Questions readers ask
What is Tan Wee Kiong's highest Olympic achievement?
He won a silver medal in the men's doubles event at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics alongside partner Goh V Shem.
Who are Tan Wee Kiong's notable doubles partners?
His most significant partnership was with Goh V Shem, with whom he reached world number one. He also played with Hoon Thien How, Ong Yew Sin, and Tan Kian Meng.
