Tze Yong finds his feet again in positive step towards comeback [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: While no timeline has been set for Ng Tze Yong's return to competition, the national shuttler has taken a positive first step on his long road back from surgery after returning to court for footwork training today.

National coaching director Kenneth Jonassen confirmed that the 26-year-old has resumed structured movement work following months of rehabilitation after undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery in July last year.

"Today was the first day of footwork here," Jonassen said after a training session at the Academy Badminton Malaysia.

"We are testing and discussing the small progress, and it was very positive to see him here doing the work."

Tze Yong's return is being carefully managed under an individualised programme, with the coaching and medical teams closely monitoring how his knee responds at each stage of training.

"We follow a plan, but we monitor the reaction after doing these sessions. How does the knee react?" Jonassen said.

"It's step by step, but today was a positive day for sure."

Tze Yong has endured a stop-start period since his injury problems began at the 2024 Malaysia Open, which included knee and back issues.

He has undergone multiple surgeries over the past two years.

He attempted a comeback last year but was sidelined again after further complications, prompting the BA of Malaysia (BAM) to adopt a longer-term rehabilitation approach rather than rushing his return to competition.

Jonassen stressed that Tze Yong's pathway back will differ from the rest of the national squad, particularly as BAM pushes other players to train close to their physical limits in pursuit of consistency and higher performance levels.

"His pathway is different," Jonassen said.

"We have to push him, for sure, but within the boundaries of what the knee can hold. It's a very separate plan from everybody else."

The Dane added that while pushing players close to their limits is part of elite development, it does not apply in the same way to Tze Yong at this stage of his recovery.

"For Tze Yong, it's about managing the return properly and monitoring day to day how his condition reacts."

Beyond the physical progress, Jonassen said he was particularly encouraged by Tze Yong's mindset, praising the shuttler's commitment and belief despite repeated injury setbacks.

"I'm very impressed with his energy and commitment to his rehab plan and his return to play," he said.

"Sometimes, after long injuries, players can develop fear, but this time he is very open and very committed to the process."

BAM has not set a timeline for Tze Yong's return to tournaments, with Jonassen reiterating that progress will be assessed session by session as the national team prioritise long-term sustainability over short-term results.