Source:
Visual China Group/VCG
[Saba
Sports News] In a disappointing turn of events, the Japanese women’s doubles
pair Fukushima Yuki and Hirota Sayaka faced defeat in the first round of the
women’s doubles match at the recently concluded Asian Badminton Championships.
They were defeated by the Korean women’s doubles team with a score of 0-2. This
loss marked their farewell to the Asian Badminton Championships. Hirota Sayaka,
who played through injury in this round, made a surprising announcement during
a media interview after the match. She revealed that this tournament was likely
to be their final appearance in the international arena. It has been reported
that Ayaka Hirota sustained an injury during the semi-finals of the India Games
in December of the previous year. When it was widely expected that she would
undergo surgery, Hirota made a bold but risky decision to opt for conservative
treatment instead, holding onto a glimmer of hope to qualify for the Olympics.
Unfortunately, their elimination in the recent competition dashed their chances
of participating in the Paris Olympics. Consequently, Hirota Ayaka has returned
to China for treatment and/or surgery, and she will temporarily step away from
the world of badminton. This news is undoubtedly regrettable. The editor
acknowledges that Yuki Fukushima and Ayaka Hirota are an exceptional and
admirable women’s doubles pair, known for their skill and formidable presence
on the court. While it is disappointing to bid them farewell under such
circumstances, the positive aspect is that they will now strive for even
greater success in their future endeavors. May they regain their health and
achieve new heights.