KUALA LUMPUR: National men's singles shuttler Ng Tze Yong will need immense determination to overcome his current predicament.
The 24-year-old is nowhere near match fitness and has been ruled out for the rest of the year, confirmed BAM coaching director Rexy Mainaky today.
Initially, there was hope of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games silver medallist returning to competitions after the Olympics.
However, his name was absent from all post-Olympic tournament entries.
Rexy said BAM is now targeting January for Tze Yong's return.
Shedding light on Tze Yong's status, Rexy said: "After discussions between the men's singles coaches and Tze Yong, he will only return to competitions in January next year after a full recovery.
"Despite numerous efforts and attempts, while Tze Yong's condition has improved significantly, he has not returned to full training yet.
"At this stage, the coach's focus is on encouraging and motivating him to regain his confidence."
Tze Yong was granted a "protected ranking" by the Badminton World Federation in May. This means he will be able to enter tournaments, once fully fit, based on his locked world ranking of No. 18.
The "protected ranking" period will stand for 12 months, after which it will no longer be in force.
Players can request for "protected rankings" due to injuries or other circumstances when it's impossible for them to compete in any tournament for at least three months or a maximum of 12 months.
Tze Yong injured his lower back in the first round of the Malaysia Open in January. He made a swift return at the Asia Team Championships, but could only play one full match before the injury recurred.
Since then, he has undergone two surgeries and has been unable to participate in any tournaments, shattering his dream of qualifying for the Paris Olympics, which once seemed within reach.