KUALA LUMPUR – National men’s singles shuttler Jacky Kok did not want to miss out on the opportunity to shine at the 2023 SEA Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on May 5-17.
Jacky, who replaced teammate Justin Hoh, said he wishes to do his best and ensure justice is done fairly upon his listing for the Games’ 32nd edition.
“This is indeed an opportunity to prove my ability. It could catapult my career further, but I do not dare to think too much about how far I can go.
“I also cannot be too confident because then I fear I might lose my rhythm.
“I just want to do better day by day and deliver my best performance at the SEA Games.
“So, I do believe that if I just focus on doing my best, I will get to where I am supposed to,” said the 21-year-old shuttler.
Jacky, who also assisted his team to win Malaysia’s first gold medal at the 2022 Asia Team Championships, wished a speedy recovery for Justin.
“What happened to Justin was unexpected, and it never crossed my mind that I would get to be chosen to replace him, because the list of players to go for the SEA Games was already done.
“I hope Justin will recover as soon as possible because I empathise with his situation,” he added.
Yesterday, Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh said Jacky was the next best replacement for Justin as the main purpose of the SEA Games is to send young players and test the backup shuttlers.
19-year-old Justin was forced to miss out on the biennial Games after he ruptured his left Achilles tendon during training on Monday.
He underwent surgery on Wednesday and will be out from competing for the next six to nine months.
Justin was set to travel to Cambodia alongside Leong Jun Hao and Ong Ken Yen for the men’s singles camp.
Malaysia managed to bring home one gold and silver medal each in the mixed doubles event at the previous SEA Games edition in Hanoi, which ended the country’s dry spell at winning the event since 1999 in Brunei.
The national shuttlers also took home another silver medal through the men’s team event. – The Vibes, April 14, 2023
