NS Matrix Deers star Ting Chun Hong—better known to fans as “Mei Mei”—has been diagnosed with a mild strain of the gastrocnemius muscle in his left calf and will be sidelined for at least two weeks, he confirmed Tuesday.

The injury occurred in the first quarter of Tuesday night’s BCL Asia-East clash between the Deers and Mongolia’s Bishrelt Metal. Mei Mei went down unexpectedly while attempting a right-side drive and was unable to stand, eventually helped off the court by assistant coach Kuek Tian Yuan and team physiotherapist Gunalan Maniam.

"The moment I pushed off for the drive, I felt it—like my calf snapped or jolted. It scared me.," Mei Mei recalled.

Injury Details and Recovery Timeline

The calf comprises two key muscles: the gastrocnemius (surface level) and the soleus (deeper layer). Strains typically occur during sudden bursts of movement, acceleration, or prolonged running, especially when muscles are fatigued.

Mei Mei’s diagnosis was confirmed after a medical check-up on Wednesday morning, where doctor ruled out any signs of bruising—often a marker of more severe damage.

"The doctor said it’s a gastrocnemius strain. Since there’s no bruising, that’s a good sign," Mei Mei explained. "The swelling should go down in three to five days, and I should be able to walk normally. But returning to the court will take at least two weeks."

Grade 1 calf strains typically heal within 10 to 14 days with proper rest and rehabilitation.

Timeline for Return

The injury rules Mei Mei out of Thursday’s critical matchup against Indonesia’s Pelita Jaya—a must-win for the Deers after back-to-back losses in the group stage.

The Deers are scheduled to face Pelita Jaya again in Jakarta on April 8, a game Mei Mei is likely to miss. His availability for the Tan See Seng Cup International Invitational Tournament (April 15–20), where he is expected to suit up for the Malaysian national team, will depend on his recovery progress.

If rehab goes smoothly, Mei Mei could target a return in the April 27 rematch against the Taoyuan Pilots or the May 11 road game versus Bishrelt Metal.

"I really wish I could be out there helping the team, especially in such a crucial game," Mei Mei said. "But now my focus is on recovery and getting back on court as soon as possible."