PETALING JAYA: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) are committed to ensuring that rising star Dania Sofea Zaidi (pic) receives the best treatment available so that her potential will not go to waste.
BAM secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh, when contacted, said doctors from the National Sports Institute (NSI) had already examined the young shuttler and discussed the next course of action with the coaches.
Dania suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in her left knee during the Under-18 Mixed Team Championships final in Penang on Aug 24.
Partnering Hasyni Devi Sahathevan in the girls’ doubles for Johor, Dania was up against Penang’s Christine Lam-Nicole Chau but lasted only 25 minutes before being forced to retire.
An initial assessment confirmed a grade three ACL tear, which will require surgery.
“We have already discussed the next course of action for Dania, and doctors from NSI have also met her and held discussions with the coaches.
“She is a talented player and we want her to recover as quickly as possible. We will provide her with the best available treatment,” said Kenny.
The injury has also ended Dania’s hopes of making a final appearance at the World Junior Championships in Guwahati, India, from Oct 6-19.
It is a major setback as the 17-year-old, who features in both the girls’ doubles and mixed doubles, was seen as a strong medal contender.
She is currently ranked world No. 3 in the girls’ doubles with partner Low Zi Yu, while in the mixed doubles with Datu Anif Isaac, they hold the world No. 1 spot.
At last year’s edition in Nanchang, Dania and Zi Yu impressed by bagging the silver in the girls’ doubles, while she also played a key role in helping the mixed team secure bronze.
