PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles shuttler Choong Hon Jian has only one wish for the new year – to stay injury-free.
Hon Jian endured a tough 2025 along with partner Mohd Haikal Nazri due to injury issues.
The pair missed tournaments for the first four months of the year after Haikal tore his hip muscle before making a comeback in May.
Hon Jian then tore his abdominal muscle on two separate occasions in October and November, keeping the duo out of action again.
Tough challenge: Choong Hon Jian-Mohd Haikal Nazri will play England’s world No. 16 Ben Lane-Sean Vendy in the first round of the Malaysian Open.
The fitness issues have been frustrating for the pair, who burst onto the international scene by capturing back-to-back titles in the Syed Modi International and Guwahati Masters at the end of 2023.
The world No. 33 combo also won the Orleans Masters crown in 2024 but have not reached a final since then due in no small part to their injury problems.
“It has been difficult for both of us as we have taken turns to pick up injuries,” said the soft-spoken Hon Jian.
“I tore my abdominal muscle twice in October and November. It was the same injury but in different places.
“The doctor said that I’m quite tall, so overstretching when I hit the shuttle caused the issues.
“I have fully recovered now but need to go through rehab to strengthen my muscles. This will hopefully help me to avoid these injuries.
“For the new year, I have only one wish and that is to stay free of injuries,” added Hon Jian.
Hon Jian and Haikal are next getting ready to compete in the Malaysian Open from Jan 6-11 at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil.
Hon Jian cannot wait to play in the World Tour Super 1000 competition for the first time with Haikal after missing the tourney in 2025 due to the latter’s hip issue.
The 25-year-old has played once in the competition in the mixed doubles with Peck Yen Wei in 2022. The event was upgraded from Super 750 to 1000 status a year later.
Hon Jian-Haikal though will need to navigate a difficult draw after they were pit against England’s world No. 16 Ben Lane-Sean Vendy in the first round.
If they can pull off an upset, they could go up against fellow Malaysians, world No. 7 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani in the second round.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin will open their campaign against Denmark’s world No. 27 Daniel Lundgaard-Mads Vestergaard.
