KUALA LUMPUR: For the first time in her life, shuttler S. Kisona will not be around to celebrate Deepavali with her family in Seremban.
This is because national duty comes first for the 20-year-old who will be competing in the Malaysia International Series starting tomorrow in Penang.
Kisona, who only returned to competitive action at the Macau Open last week after a three-month rehabilitation programme, also missed out on her older sister's engagement on Sunday.
When contacted in Penang, the women's singles defending champion said: "It feels different, not being home with the family. Back then, even if I miss the first day, I'd be home for the second.
"However, national duty comes first for me. I have not played competitive badminton for nearly three months, and it showed when I lost in the first round of the Macau Open last week.
"I hope to play better. My Deepavali wish is to end the year on a good note. so I can be fresh for the new year," said Kisona, who will play Taiwan's Yang Yu Chi in the first round.
Kisona is not the only one who will have to put Deepavali celebrations on hold. Dutch International Series' finalist, M. Thinaah is also in Penang for the competition.
The top seeded Klang-born shuttler received a first round bye and will face the winner of the match between Taiwan's Chieh Yu and Thailand's Manassanan Lerthattasin in the second round.
Other national women's singles in the fray include Lee Zii Yii and second seed Lim Yin Fun.