Chou Tien-chen's Injury at Korea Open 2024: A Rollercoaster of Emotions
Conor Hudson
Wed Sep 04 2024
Former world No. 2 badminton player, Chou Tien-chen, faced a heartbreaking setback as he withdrew from the Korea Open 2024 due to a lung injury suffered during the mixed feelings and drama at the badminton Olympic in Paris 2024.
Diagnosed with a pulmonary nodule and soft tissue damage in his left lung, Chou undergoes high-pressure oxygen therapy at Dao Vien General Hospital regularly. The 34-year-old athlete revealed that extensive tests ruled out pneumothorax, ensuring minimal impact on his ongoing treatment procedures.
Chou attributed the injury to improper use of a respiratory resistance training device before the semi-finals, causing his lung to over-expand due to rapid breathing, resulting in the injury. He described the sensation as electric shocks with every movement, yet remained grateful for completing the Japan Open final despite the discomfort.
Despite overcoming early-stage colorectal cancer diagnosis in early 2023, Chou emphasized that his latest health issue is unrelated to his past medical history. He promptly reported the situation to the National Sports Training Center and the Chinese Taipei Badminton Association, ensuring transparency and support.
Chou's discomfort began before his match against Kodai Naraoka of Japan, but managed by his medical team temporarily as he triumphed over Naraoka before succumbing to French player Alex Lanier in the final. Although fatigued in the final, Chou rallied to a commendable performance, marking his best achievement in Super 750 level tournaments in the past two years.
Chou's valiant effort and resilience amid adversity demonstrate his unwavering determination and passion for the sport. Despite the setback at the Korea Open 2024, Chou's return to the top 10 global ranking reflects his remarkable journey from past challenges to current successes.