KUALA LUMPUR: A desperate Goh Liu Ying went to Kelantan at the behest of Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tan Sri Tengku Mahaleel Tengku Ariff to seek help from a traditional healer to recover from a right knee injury.
For the 24-year-old Liu Ying, the traditional method is another option to consider before she makes a decision whether to go under the knife.
A surgery could put her out of action for about four to eight months and jeopardise her mixed doubles partnership with Chan Peng Soon. There are a number of major tournaments this year – the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow from July 21-Aug 4, World Championships in Copenhagen from Aug 25-31 and Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, from Sept 28-Oct 5.
On Tuesday, Liu Ying were told by doctors to consider surgery based on the results of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan.
Liu Ying said she decided to give alternative medicine a shot following a suggestion by Tengku Mahaleel.
So on Jan 1, Liu Ying and coach Jeremy Gan went to Kota Baru and were picked up by Tengku Mahaleel at the airport. The journey to the traditional healer’s house took about an hour.
“I had to miss my one-day break on New Year but this is just a little sacrifice that I have to make.
“I appreciate my president’s wish to help me. I went with an open mind to see whether the traditional healer could help me. I did feel better after he straightened up my bones.
“This is an option for me now, but I have not decided on anything yet. I am not sure whether the traditional way will work for me. I am still looking at other options,” said Liu Ying.
Liu Ying will now meet up with National Sports Institute (NSI) chief operating officer (COO) Datuk Dr Ramlan before making a decision on her future in badminton.
“Surgery is the last option and I am trying to get a second opinion. Dr Ramlan and his team have been monitoring my progress and I will seek his advice before I make a decision,” she said.
Liu Ying has had knee problems since 2008, but she put off surgery due to the national team’s commitments.
Win a prize this Mother's Day by subscribing to our annual plan now! T&C applies.
