Malaysia women’s doubles shuttlers Teoh Mei Xing-Go Pei Kee in action against China’s Chen Qingchen-Wang Tingge during the first round of Malaysia Masters at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil on Tuesday. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Women’s doubles shuttler Go Pei Kee (pic) is racing against time to regain full fitness ahead of the SEA Games in Thailand this December, determined to be at her best for the biennial event.
To make that happen, Pei Kee knows it will take more than just medication and rehabilitation, as mental strength will also play a crucial role in helping her recover in time.
The 23-year-old is still undergoing treatment for a left ankle injury she sustained during last month’s European tour. It first flared up at the French Open, forcing her and partner Teoh Mei Xing to withdraw from their first-round match against China’s Li Yi-jing and Luo Xu-min.
Pei Kee tried to push through the pain at the Hylo Open in Saarbrucken, but the injury worsened, forcing the pair to retire again during their quarter-final clash against Turkiye’s Bengisu Ercetin and Nazlican Inci.
The next four to five weeks will therefore be critical for her recovery, as badminton at the SEA Games is set to take place from Dec 7-10 for the team event and from Dec 11-14 for the individual competition.
“Everyone heals differently, but I believe I can recover quickly because I rarely get injured. It’s also about mental strength.
“As I shared on my social media through a video I made, my mental state has grown stronger during my time here at the Academy Badminton Malaysia. I know what to do when I hit my lowest points, and I can say I’ve become more mature in dealing with challenges like this,” said Pei Kee.
Pei Kee has competed at the SEA Games before, making her debut at the 2021 edition in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Back then, she partnered Yap Ling in the women’s doubles but their campaign in the individual event was cut short after a first-round defeat to Singapore’s Insyirah Khan and Bernice Lim.
For this edition, besides Pei Kee-Mei Xing, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) will also be banking on world No. 2 pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, who will be making their SEA Games debut in the women’s doubles event.
