Hope Springs Eternal for Muhammad Haikal Nazri
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 11 (Bernama) — National men’s doubles shuttler Muhammad Haikal Nazri, still recovering from a torn right hip muscle, remains optimistic about his chances of competing in the upcoming badminton tournaments.
At 22 years old, the Kelantan-born shuttler is quietly confident that he and his partner, Choong Hon Jian, can kickstart their 2025 season at the March 11-16 All England Badminton Championships in Birmingham.
Recovery Progress
Muhammad Haikal, who has been sidelined for the past month, acknowledges that he has no chance of competing in the German Open (Feb 25-March 2), but is still hopeful of participating in the Orleans Masters in France (March 4-9). His recovery level, according to an examination by the National Sports Institute on February 7, has reached 80 per cent.
Training Under New Coach
During his recovery, Muhammad Haikal has been working on his court skills, including covering the front court and avoiding too many jumping smashes to avoid aggravating the injury. He has also been training under new national men’s doubles coach Herry Iman Pierngadi, who has introduced a new method of hitting with a heavier racquet to increase wrist strength.
"I informed my coach yesterday that I won’t be able to go for the German Open, but I will wait and see if I can play in the Orleans Masters or the All England," Muhammad Haikal said. "Of course, I would love to play in the All England as I have never competed in the world’s oldest badminton tournament. Hopefully, I can recover in time."
Injury-Laden Past
The injury sustained by Muhammad Haikal resulted in him and Hon Jian having to shelve their hopes of competing in last month’s Malaysia Open for the first time. However, the shuttler remains optimistic about his chances of making a comeback.
Conclusion
With his recovery progressing well, Muhammad Haikal is poised to make a successful comeback in the badminton world. His dedication to his training and his partnership with coach Herry Iman Pierngadi will be crucial in his quest to regain his form and compete at the highest level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is your current recovery level?
A: According to the examination by the National Sports Institute, my recovery level has reached 80 per cent.
Q: Are you confident about competing in the All England Badminton Championships?
A: Yes, I am hopeful that I can recover in time and compete in the All England Badminton Championships.
Q: How has your training been going?
A: I have been working on covering the front court and avoiding too many jumping smashes to avoid aggravating the injury.
Q: What is your partnership like with coach Herry Iman Pierngadi?
A: It has been an eye-opener, and I appreciate the new methods he has introduced to help me improve my game.