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Skating star Hanyu pulls out of NHK Trophy with ankle injury

Yomiuri Shimbun file photo
Yuzuru Hanyu performs at the NHK Trophy in Sapporo on Nov. 22, 2019

The Yomiuri Shimbun

November 4, 2021

Two-time Olympic figure skating champion Yuzuru Hanyu has pulled out of next week’s NHK Trophy after injuring his right ankle in a fall, the Japan Skating Federation announced on Thursday.

The 26-year-old Hanyu suffered damage to ligaments in his right ankle, causing him to skip the fourth event in the six-meet ISU Grand Prix series scheduled for Nov. 12-14 in Tokyo, according to the JSF.

“I was doing everything to be ready for the NHK Trophy, but I got injured on just one fall. I am very disappointed,” Hanyu said in a statement released by the federation. “I will try to get something positive out of this injury and do whatever I can to the best of my ability.

“My aim is to get back onto the ice as soon as possible, do my rehab on the ice while controlling the pain, and make every effort to shorten the time needed to get back to a competitive level. Drawing strength from everyone’s support, I will fight to continually make progress.”

Hanyu is expected to return in time to appear as scheduled at the Rostelecom Cup in Sochi, Russia, on Nov. 26-28, the sixth and final Grand Prix meet.