KUALA LUMPUR – After enduring a debilitating Achilles injury almost seven months ago, promising 19-year-old men’s singles shuttler Justin Hoh faces a prolonged recovery period, postponing his return to competitive play.
Scheduled to participate in the Malaysia International Challenge from November 14 to 19 in Ipoh, Justin’s anticipated comeback has hit a setback.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia’s (BAM) men’s singles coach, Datuk Tey Seu Bock, said that Justin’s readiness for the tournament remains hindered by his ongoing recovery.
“Justin’s health and recovery is our top priority. While he’s progressing well, tests to determine his return to competition indicate he requires more time.
“After consulting with the sports medicine and conditioning team, we have (decided) to pull him out of the tournament in Perak,” he said in a statement today.
The setback occurred when Justin suffered a left Achilles tendon rupture during training on April 10, necessitating immediate surgery, which he underwent successfully the following day.
The incident not only derailed his participation in the upcoming tournament but also dashed his aspirations of competing in the Cambodia SEA Games in May.
Justin, a former junior world number one, had exhibited impressive progress since joining the senior squad in November last year, reaching a career-high world ranking of 54, making the injury a poignant setback to his burgeoning career. – November 2, 2023