Kuala Lumpur: The quest of the national men’s singles player, Ng Tze Yong, for a ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games has been ‘disrupted’ as he is forced to forgo participation in the India Open (January 16 to 21) and the Indonesia Masters (January 23 to 28) due to a back injury sustained during the first round of the PETRONAS Malaysia Open.
According to a medical expert from Malaysia’s National Sports Institute (ISN) who provide diagnosis to the 24-year-old player, stated that following an ultrasound examination, Ng Tze Yong was confirmed to have suffered a back muscle injury, requiring a recovery period of two to three weeks.
As a result, the medical expert had advised the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) not to send the Commonwealth Games Birmingham 2022 silver medalist to compete in the India Open and Indonesia Masters, allowing him to undergo necessary treatment and recovery.
“After the ultrasound examination, we found that Tze Yong has a back muscle injury, but the extent of the injury can be considered minor (not serious).”
“As a precautionary measure and after discussing with BAM, we collectively agreed that Tze Yong should not participate in the India Open and Indonesia Masters to enable him to undergo treatment and the recovery process first.”
“We anticipate that Tze Yong will fully recover and resume regular training within two to three weeks.”
Ng will undergo a recovery program based on his suitability and the development of his injury.
“Over the past two days, Tze Yong has been on complete rest, and today we see positive progress, with a reduction in the level of his discomfort.’
“So, for the coming two to three weeks, we will focus on the recovery process and strengthening his back muscles. We will structure the recovery program based on the level of pain he experiences to ensure that his fitness level does not decline.”
Ng faced a setback in the Malaysia Open when he had to withdraw during the first set in a match against Japan’s representative, Koki Watanabe, due to a back injury suffered after executing a smash.
Currently ranked 15th in the world, Ng is vying for a spot in the Paris Olympic Games.
Each country can have a maximum of two representatives in the men’s singles event if they are within the top 16 group at the conclusion of the qualification rounds at the end of April.
