KUALA LUMPUR: Paddler Ng Sock Khim missed the last three SEA Games from 2009-2013 due to a knee injury.
The Kedah-born player has fully recovered and will feature in next year’s SEA Games in Singapore.
Sock Khim, who had surgery for the fourth time in December 2013, defied the doctor’s orders to play in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in July. She helped Malaysia win an unexpected silver medal in the women’s team event, but paid a heavy price as she aggravated her injury.
The 30-year-old Sock Khim had to undergo a four-month rehabilitation programme. Now, she is ready to report for national training on Jan 5 in preparation for the biennial Games from June 5-16.
“I suffered a lot of pain over the last five years. But I am not ready to retire yet. I want to continue playing for the country as long as I can. My services are still needed by the national team,” said Sock Khim.
“I also miss playing in the SEA Games. I want to help Malaysia win a silver in the team event in the Singapore Games after our outstanding performance in Glasgow,” said Sock Khim.
Sock Khim made her SEA Games debut in Brunei in 1999 but failed to win a medal. Two years later in KL, she won a bronze in the team event.
In her last Games in Korat, Thailand, in 2007, she won two bronzes through the singles and team events.
For the Singapore Games, Sock Khim is expected to lead the women’s team following national champion Beh Lee Wei’s retirement. Lee Wei is now the national coach for both the men’s and women’s teams.
“I have six months to train for the Games. I believe I will be physically and mentally ready for the challenge,” said Sock Khim.
Seven gold medals are up for grabs in table tennis in Singapore.
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