PETALING JAYA: Independent shuttler Goh Jin Wei (pic) will miss the next two tournaments in Indonesia and Thailand to fully recover from a hamstring injury as she prepares to serve the nation at the Asian Mixed Team Championships next month.
The Indonesia Masters is from Jan 24-29 and while the Thailand Masters is from Jan 31-Feb 5.
Jin Wei suffered a hamstring strain during her first-round defeat against Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon at the Indian Open in New Delhi on Jan 17.
Her coach Nova Armada said the 22-year-old Jin Wei would need a week to recover and believed there was no urgency to compete in tournaments right away.
“Fortunately, the hamstring injury is not serious and she just needs to rest until next weekend. It’s still possible to play in the Thailand Masters but we don’t want her to aggravate her injury. It’s better for her to focus on the Asian mixed team,” said Nova.
“Jin Wei has another three weeks which is sufficient for her to prepare.
“After the mixed team, she will focus on the European circuit in March.”
World No. 29 Jin Wei, who has often given her best in team events, will have young player Wong Ling Ching, ranked No. 241, in the women’s singes for company.
Meanwhile, Jin Wei tweeted about a heartwarming gesture by a fan during the Malaysian Open that has lifted her spirits. “One volunteer came over and handed her allowance to me. She said she was planning to do this for a long, long time. She asked me to keep chasing my dream and just don’t give up due to any limitations,” tweeted Jin Wei.
“I rejected it at first but she convinced me eventually.
“It’s not about the amount but it’s about the courage given by people to keep you going when you know you need a miracle to make it happen. But miracle do exist ...”
It was a timely post of encouragement for Jin Wei as she celebrates the Chinese New Year and at the same time, battles to recover quickly from her injury and return to action in the Year of the Rabbit.
