Overview

• Surgeons removed herniated disc tissue in early June to relieve nerve compression after intense neck and arm pain forced his withdrawal from the World Championships in Doha.
• A structured rehabilitation program allowed him to resume one-hour training sessions in late June focused on rebuilding strength and mobility.
• He opened his post-surgery campaign with a 3–1 victory over American Nandan Naresh at the inaugural U.S. Grand Smash in Las Vegas.
• The two-time Olympic bronze medalist and former world No. 1 is now medically cleared and aiming to sustain his form through the remainder of the Grand Smash series.
• His comeback underscores the Grand Smash circuit’s expanding global reach and creates new commercial opportunities for professional table tennis.