World University Games: Ko Shing-hei beats Covid-19 to bring Hong Kong its first ever badminton medal
- University of Hong Kong student caught the virus after playing the first day in team event and missed a week of competition
- He returns to court after full recovery to take bronze – and there is a chance of a second fencing gold for Cheung Ka-long on Monday
Ko Shing-hei overcame Covid-19 to bring home a badminton medal for Hong Kong at the World University Games in Chengdu.
The 21-year-old University of Hong Kong student had contracted the virus a week ago after playing on the first day of the team event, and only returned to the court on Friday.
Despite the setback, Ko won through to the men’s singles quarter-finals, where he beat China national team member Dong Tianyao at Shuangliu Sports Centre Gymnasium on Sunday.
Ko’s 21-12, 21-16 loss in the last four to China’s Wang Zhengxing earned him bronze – Hong Kong’s first University Games medal in badminton.
“I felt so upset to miss the team quarter-finals,” Ko said. “I had to wait until I was fully recovered, and started picking up my form match by match.”
