Ng Tze Yong is set to miss out on his maiden Olympics appearance in Paris after the national men's singles shuttler was withdrawn from the upcoming Badminton Asia Championships (BAC) to continue working his way back to full fitness from a back injury.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) confirmed Ng's withdrawal with a statement that read: "The surgeon, physio, coaches and Tze Yong have agreed he is not physically ready for the BAC. Based on the medical assessment, it is with a heavy heart that he will be withdrawn from competing."
National coaching director Rexy Mainaky further clarified Ng's injury, saying the 23-year-old has only resumed light workout sessions and has yet to resume high-intensity training including jumping.
"Although his absence from the BAC will also rule him out of Paris, he is still young and will have opportunities to compete in future Olympics," said Rexy.
Ng also accepted his predicament.
"I look forward to getting back on court as soon as possible and contributing to the team in the future," he said.
Ng, who is ranked one rung below the automatic qualifying spot to the Paris Olympics, has only played one full match this team at the Badminton Asia Team Championships back in February.
He first suffered the back injury at the Malaysia Open a month before and retired injured after 13-minutes into his first round match against Koki Watanabe.
Nicolas Anil
Sat Mar 30 2024
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