What Hon Jian wishes for in 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: For men's doubles shuttler Choong Hon Jian, the most important thing in 2026 is not rankings or results, but staying healthy enough to play a full year.

After an injury-hit 2025 that robbed him of continuity, Hon Jian admitted that avoiding time on the sidelines has become his primary focus as he prepares to open the season at the Malaysia Open from Jan 6-11.

"My target is just don't get injured first," said Hon Jian.

"If you don't get injured, you can play in every tournament."

Hon Jian suffered an abdominal injury in October and was forced to miss the latter half of the year, adding to a stop-start season that has disrupted his partnership with Haikal Nazri.

Earlier in the year, Haikal was sidelined for four months due to a hip injury, leaving the pair struggling to find momentum.

The pair burst onto the scene, winning three titles between 2023 and 2024 — triumphing at the Syed Modi International, Guwahati Masters and Orleans Masters.

However, their injury setbacks have taken a toll on their rankings. Once as high as world No. 18, Hon Jian-Haikal have slipped to No. 34 after repeated interruptions to their campaign.

"We're always rotating," said Hon Jian with a laugh. "If I'm injured, then Haikal gets injured. That's what I'm most afraid of."

The abdominal issue, which Hon Jian has suffered twice, is now fully healed, but he is taking no chances.

He explained that the injury occurred in a different area the second time and believes his height contributes to the problem, as he tends to overstretch and lose balance during play.

"It has recovered now, but I want to make the muscle stronger so it won't get injured again," he said, adding that rehab and preventive work have become central to his routine.

Despite the cautious outlook, the Malaysia Open carries special significance for Hon Jian, who missed the tournament last year and has never featured in the men's doubles main draw at the event, which has now been upgraded to Super 1000 status.

"I want to experience it," he said. "I didn't play last year, so this year I really want to feel the Malaysia Open."

Hon Jian-Haikal face a challenging start after being drawn against England's world No. 16 pairing of Ben Lane and Sean Vendy in the first round. The Malaysians hold a 1-1 head-to-head record against the English pair.