KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 — National men’s singles shuttler Ng Tze Yong is set to miss out on making this Olympic Games debut in Paris, which is scheduled to be held from July 26 until August 11.
This came after the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) confirmed the current world number 18 player is not ready yet to resume high-level training and competition, as doing so could risk aggravating his back injury.
As such, it said the surgeon, physiotherapist, coaches, and Ng have all mutually agreed the 23-year-old is not physically ready for the Badminton Asia Championships (BAC) 2024, which will take place in Ningbo, China, from April 9 until April 14.
Though disappointed to forgo BAC, he admitted to understanding that his health and recovery are at utmost priority.
“I am grateful for the support of the medical team and my coaches, and I am committed to focusing on my rehabilitation so that I can return stronger. I look forward to getting back on court as soon as possible and contributing to the team in the future,” Ng said in a BAC statement today.
The 2022 Commonwealth Games men’s singles silver medallist was slated to open his BAC 2024 campaign against Taiwanese shuttler Wang Tzu Wei.
Meanwhile, Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) coaching director Rexy Mainaky said while the Johorean has progressed to light workouts, he has not yet resumed high-intensity training, including jumping.
“Our top priority is always the health and well-being of our players. Tze Yong’s recovery and overall condition are paramount concerns for us.
“We will closely monitor his progress and condition in the coming weeks. Tze Yong has a promising career ahead, and it is essential to focus on his complete recovery,” he said.
Although his absence from the BAC will also rule him out of Paris 2024, Rexy believes Ng is still young and will have opportunities to compete in future Olympics.
On Tuesday (March 26), the director said Ng can still achieve his dream of making his maiden Olympic appearance at the 2024 edition in Paris, provided he emerges triumphant in the BAC 2024.
Ng had dropped out from the top 16 positions in the latest Race to Paris ranking list ahead of the April 28 Olympic qualifying deadline.
Professional shuttler Lee Zii Jia is in the best position to make his second Olympic appearance after Tokyo 2020. He is currently placed 10th in the Race to Paris ranking list with 68,296 points.
A country can field a maximum of two players in the singles event if both are in the top 16 in the Race to Paris ranking list.
In the meantime, Rexy said Ng might be considered for the Thomas Cup 2024 squad from April 27 until May 5 in Chengdu, China, depending on the latter’s progress and condition in the coming weeks.
— Bernama
