KUALA LUMPUR – The back end of 2023 was a ratcheted time for the darling of Thailand’s women’s singles badminton, Ratchanok Intanon.
An ankle injury sustained at the Hong Kong Open in September not only ruled her out of the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games but also for the rest of the season.
The 2024 Malaysia Open is her first tournament back from injury and she cleared the first round yesterday defeating Myanmar’s Thet Htar Thuzar in straight sets at the Axiata Arena.
Unfortunately, her second-round opponent today was the reigning Olympic champion Chen Yufei of China who defeated Intanon 21-15, 21-18.
Having already played at three Olympic Games – London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 – Intanon, who is also fondly known as May, is confident she can make the boat for the 2024 Paris Olympics in July.
“My chances of qualifying for the Olympics is 99%. The other 1% is dependent on how other players like Pornpawee Chochuwong and Supanida Katethong perform.
“Unfortunately, because of my ranking, I’m not seeded in tournaments so I have to face top players in early rounds so this makes things difficult a bit,” said the world number 13 who is also in the same position in BWF’s Race to Paris rankings.
Intanon, the 2013 world champion, acknowledges that Paris will be her fourth Summer Games and expectations are heavy on her to deliver a medal, something that she has not been able to do in three attempts.
“If I make it to Paris I cannot say it is for my experience, because I have been to many Olympics already.
“I know that every time I play, there is pressure, but if I want to win, I have to deal with myself first,” the three-time junior world champion told reporters after her second-round match.
Intanon added that Paris is her last hope to end her hunt for an elusive Olympic medal as she is unlikely to appear at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
However, she is not planning on retiring any time soon.
“I’ve played badminton since I was young, so I plan on playing until I know it is enough for me.
“I know my body, my performance and the young players coming up.
“I’m sure I will continue to compete after Paris but for the next Olympics, I don’t think so,” said the 28-year-old.
When Intanon finally hung up her racquet she said coaching is something she is interested in pursuing.
“I will still be involved in badminton. Becoming a coach is something that interests me.
“I can use my experience of being a world champion to help others become better than me.
“But I know I will be starting from zero as coaching will be a new experience,” she said. – January 11, 2024