KUALA LUMPUR — National men’s singles shuttler Ng Tze Yong may be facing the toughest battle of his career, but he doesn’t have to face it alone.
Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen stressed that Tze Yong must not hesitate to seek help as he navigates the long road to recovery following a second major injury, an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained at the Malaysia Masters last month.
“It’s not a weakness to ask for help. We have to remember it’s actually a strength,” said Jonassen, who vowed to support Tze Yong every step of the way.
“Sometimes it can feel like you’re on your own, but you’re not. We’ll be there — monitoring, checking in, guiding him — to give him the best chance to recover and return.”
Tze Yong, 25, is currently undergoing prehabilitation as he prepares for surgery soon.
Jonassen believes the key to Tze Yong’s comeback is to take it one step at a time.
“If you look at nine or 12 months as a whole, it’s too far. Step by step — achieve one goal, then move to the next. That’s the mindset Tze Yong needs now, and I believe he has that.”
The Dane added that his role goes beyond coaching.
“My job isn’t just training players. In this case, it’s about ensuring Tze Yong has the right people around him — professionals who can guide, encourage, and support him emotionally and physically. I’ve been in this situation before with players, and I know how isolating it can be.
“Tze Yong has shown before that he has resilience. This second injury is a big test of character, but he has what it takes.”
Tze Yong had only recently returned to competition in April after a long layoff due to a spinal injury suffered last year. His comeback was cut short in heartbreaking fashion at the Malaysia Masters, just four tournaments into his much awaited comeback.
Jonassen also addressed concerns over the growing number of injuries among national singles players, acknowledging that the game’s physical demands have never been greater.
“Men’s singles is right on the edge of what the human body can handle. Injuries can come from overtraining, or they can be accidents — like Tze Yong’s.”
He explained that BAM’s training philosophy is carefully planned to avoid burnout, but some risk is inevitable.
“To reach world-class level, you have to push limits. But pushing every day, every week without pause? That’s where injuries happen. We manage that closely.”
While the road ahead is uncertain, Jonassen made one thing clear — Tze Yong will not face it alone.
“We all want to see him back on court. That’s the dream. And we’re going to do everything we can to make it a reality.” – June 10, 2025