TWO injured BA of Malaysia (BAM) shuttlers, Sonia Cheah Su Ya and Goh Liu Ying are fighting hard to recover for a return to competitive action in February.
Sonia, who injured her Achilles tendon, has been out since July last year, while Liu Ying who underwent surgery on both her knees for meniscus tears, has been out since May.
“It has been so depressing, because I have not seen any action for more than a year. I have been so down,” Sonia said when contacted yesterday.
The 21-year-old women's singles has also undergone four surgeries in this period due to complications, and she is hoping to return for good this time around.
“I am supposed to start playing competitively in March, but if everything goes well, I want to be on court in February,” Sonia added.
Mixed doubles Liu Ying, on the other hand, has started light training at Juara Stadium and is only waiting for further instructions from coach Jeremy Gan.
“I am undergoing light training and am expected to start playing in February. At the moment I don't have a partner yet but I have been sparring with my teammates and coach.
“Coach Jeremy will decide on my partnership and which tournament I will play in next year.
“Long term injuries are very inconvenient and I am fighting hard to make a return as soon as I can," said Liu Ying, who previously partnered Chan Peng Soon.
Liu Ying could also play in women's doubles as she had partnered Lim Yin Loo in the past.
Both Sonia and Liu Ying have indicated that the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro is their highest priority and returning soon could boost their chances as the qualifying period begins in May. By Fabian Peter