KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian badminton icon Datuk Lee Chong Wei has advised men’s singles player Ng Tze Yong to think about getting treatment overseas following the Badminton Association of Malaysia’s (BAM) confirmation of his right knee’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
The 25-year-old, who returned to competition in April after two back surgeries last year, suffered the injury at the Malaysia Masters two weeks ago.
After initially announcing it as a knee strain, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) confirmed today that Tze Yong will undergo surgery, though no timeline was given for his return.
“The news about Tze Yong’s condition is devastating. No athlete wishes for this,” said Chong Wei, a former world No. 1, when contacted by Scoop.
“I hope he will remain strong and muster the mental toughness to pull through. BAM, the National Sports Institute (NSI) and everyone else must support him, especially at this moment.”
Chong Wei, who is part of the Road to Gold (RTG) committee, added that it may be worth exploring overseas treatment options, especially in Germany, where many top athletes have gone for rehabilitation.
“If you do a quick search, you’ll see many elite athletes go to Germany for sports-related injuries. Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Nadal are among them.
“I know it’ll cost more, and I’m not saying our local treatment is bad, but Germany has advanced technology and expertise. Maybe Tze Yong can head there for his rehab.”
Former mixed doubles star Goh Liu Ying also backed the idea, sharing her own experience receiving treatment in Germany in 2017.
“I agree with Chong Wei. I was very satisfied with the service and treatment I got in Germany,” said Liu Ying, who underwent shoulder surgery and rehab in Halle.
“There were footballers there too when I was getting treated. In terms of cost, the surgery is similar to private care here. What adds up is the boarding, medication, and travel.
“So yes, I would recommend it too. They (Germany) are really good.”
Tze Yong, the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games silver medallist, was forced to withdraw from the Singapore and Indonesia Opens following the injury. His return now looks uncertain, with ACL rehab often taking nine to 12 months or longer.
Under Badminton World Federation (BWF) rules, Tze Yong will retain his previously approved protected ranking until October 2025, but he will not be eligible for another exemption until 2027.
With another long recovery ahead, concerns are growing about the long-term impact on his career.
“Tze Yong is still young, and could possibly get back to competitive action with the right support. I just hope he doesn’t give up and continues fighting,” Chong Wei concluded. – June 6, 2025