Malaysian men’s doubles player Haikal Nazri, one-half of Choong Hon Jian, is vying to return in time for the Orleans Masters or 2025 All England Open Badminton Championships, set to run from March 11 to 16.
The 22-year-old, recovering from a torn hip muscle, has been sidelined for a few months and is set to miss the German Open (Feb 25-March 2). He is likely to make a comeback for the Orleans Masters in France (March 4-9).
Haikal said that he has recovered 80 per cent after a recent scan at the National Sports Institute.
“Today was my first day back on court, but I only did frontcourt work. I’m still not allowed to jump,” Haikal Nazri said.
“I will miss the German Open, but I hope to return at either the Orleans Masters or All England,” he added.
He has also informed his coach about the decision. “I informed my coach yesterday that I won’t be able to go for the German Open but I will wait and see if I can play in the Orleans Masters or the All-England.
“Of course, I would love to play in the All-England as I have never competed in the world’s oldest badminton tournament. Hopefully, I can recover in time,” he told reporters after training yesterday.
The Kelantan-born shuttler said that training under new men’s doubles coach Herry Iman Pierngadi was an eye opener.
“For me, it (training with Herry) is okay and good… like making sure we don’t lift (the shuttle) high all the time and, at the same time, making sure we use a heavier racquet. For me, that’s good as I lack power,” he said.
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