KUALA LUMPUR – In a sudden twist of events, rising national men’s singles star Justin Hoh is set to miss out on a chance to play in the Badminton Asia Team Championships next month due to an injury to his right knee.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), in a statement late last night, announced that another national player Leong Jun Hao would step in for Justin during the team event at Setia City Convention Centre in Shah Alam, scheduled from February 13-18.
This unexpected news contrasts with the earlier announcement by Akademi Badminton Malaysia coaching director Rexy Mainaky at a press conference yesterday that Justin was included in the men’s squad for the championships.
“With the player registration deadline at midnight last night, BAM has decided to bring in Leong Jun Hao as a replacement.
“Justin has been advised by the doctors to refrain from participating in any high intensity competition over the next few weeks,” it said
In the meantime, Rexy said the 19-year-old shuttler would undergo rehabilitation and was expected to return to the court once cleared by doctors.
“We will closely monitor Justin’s condition. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back in action soon,” he said.
Jun Hao will join professional player Lee Zii Jia, Ng Tze Yong and another young player, Eogene Ewe, in the singles category.
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