Haikal tries to build up confidence amid 'mental scars'
KUALA LUMPUR: Haikal Nazri's fear is not about losing. His problem is psychological.
The 22-year-old national men's doubles shuttler is more concerned about walking off the court physically intact.
Haikal, who is still recovering from the mental scars of a major injury, said: "Every time I finish a tournament, I'm always grateful.
"Why? Even if I lost and sad about it, the important thing is I'm not injured.
"I'm really scared of getting injured again. To be honest, losing is better than being injured for a long period."
Haikal, who partners Choong Hon Jian, was speaking from experience, after having spent five months on the sidelines following a serious hip injury.
He has also expressed his gratitude to Hon Jian for not leaving him for another partner while he was recovering from the protracted injury.
Haikal, in opening up on his situation, offered an insight into the mental challenges facing athletes trying to recover from long-term injuries.
Since his return, world No. 47 Haikal and Hon Jian have struggled to rediscover the form that won them three World Tour titles earlier. They had suffered early exits in their last five tournaments.
Haikal said he is prioritising strengthening his body and building up his confidence.
However, he said fear of injury does not affect him during matches.
"On the court, I don't think 'If I do this, I'll get injured'. I don't have such fear during the game," he explained.
"If I lose and think back on the defeat... I try to look at the positive, which is that I am not injured."
Haikal said their goal is to get back into the world's top 32. "It has been a struggle, but I hope for the next tournament, maybe in Japan or China next month, we can finally find our rhythm again."
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KUALA LUMPUR: Haikal Nazri's fear is not about losing. His problem is psychological. The 22-year-old national men's doubles shuttler is more concerned about walking off the court physically intact. Haikal, who is still recovering from the mental scars of a major injury, said: "Every time I finish a tournament, I'm always grateful. "Why? Even if I lost and sad about it, the important thing is I'm not injured. "I'm really scared of getting injured again. To be honest, losing is better than being injured for a long period." Haikal, who partners Choong Hon Jian, was speaking from experience, after having spent five months on the sidelines following a serious hip injury. He has also expressed his gratitude to Hon Jian for not leaving him for another partner while he was recovering from the protracted injury. Haikal, in opening up on his situation, offered an insight into the mental challenges facing athletes trying to recover from long-term injuries. Since his return, world No. 47 Haikal and Hon Jian have struggled to rediscover the form that won them three World Tour titles earlier. They had suffered early exits in their last five tournaments. Haikal said he is prioritising strengthening his body and building up his confidence. However, he said fear of injury does not affect him during matches. "On the court, I don't think 'If I do this, I'll get injured'. I don't have such fear during the game," he explained. "If I lose and think back on the defeat... I try to look at the positive, which is that I am not injured." Haikal said their goal is to get back into the world's top 32. "It has been a struggle, but I hope for the next tournament, maybe in Japan or China next month, we can finally find our rhythm again."
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