Seoul: The world of badminton was shaken as news emerged about the knee injury of its reigning queen, An Se-young. The top-ranked women’s singles player, who heroically clinched gold at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games despite her evident discomfort, will be sidelined from international tournaments for an estimated 2 to 5 weeks.
After her triumphant return to Korea, An promptly went for an MRI, which confirmed the worst fears: a torn tendon near her knee. This necessitates a recuperation span stretching between 2 and possibly up to 5 weeks.
Having graced international courts at key events like the World Championships in August, China Open in September, and the recent Hangzhou Asian Games, An commented, “With a packed schedule over the past months, I’m taking this time to fully recover and undergo the necessary treatment and rehabilitation.”
Enthusiasts and experts alike predict a swift recovery for An, and confidently anticipate her dazzling presence at the 2024 Paris Olympics scheduled for next July.
The incident transpired during the high-stakes women’s singles final of the Hangzhou Asian Games, where An squared off against China’s Chen Yu-fei. Leading 18-16 in the first set, An’s pursuit of a shuttlecock ended with an agonizing knee injury, prompting an immediate medical intervention. Onlookers, including her deeply concerned mother from the stands, wondered if she’d concede the game. Yet, showcasing unparalleled resilience, An soldiered on after icing and taping procedures, ultimately securing a dramatic gold medal victory.
Recounting that pivotal moment, An shared, “I perceived an unsettling ‘click’ in my knee, leading to misalignment and intense pain.”
This monumental win by An Se-young is reminiscent of Korea’s previous glory, when Bang Soo-hyun conquered both the women’s singles and team events at the 1994 Hiroshima Asian Games. Echoing such past heroics, An not only claimed the women’s singles gold but also steered the Korean women’s team to victory.
