For Malaysia, badminton isn’t just a sport — it’s a heartbeat. And with the Paris 2025 World Championships draw revealed, the nation’s hopes are surging.
Front and centre is Lee Zii Jia. Once heralded as Malaysia’s next great star, the 27-year-old is back after months sidelined by a nagging ankle injury — leaner, sharper, and more determined than ever. His latest training clip lit up social media: explosive smashes, fluid movement, no ankle brace in sight.
His first test is South Korea’s Jeon Hyeok Jin, but the real battle could come in round two against China’s Li Shi Feng — the same opponent he faced when injury struck last year. Beating him would send a loud message: Zii Jia is truly back.
Malaysia’s medal ambitions stretch beyond him.
Men’s doubles world No. 2 Aaron Chia–Soh Wooi Yik are eyeing a second world crown, with possible all-Malaysian clashes en route. Pearly Tan–M. Thinaah have their best shot yet at a women’s doubles medal, while mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie–Toh Ee Wei could end a 19-year drought in the discipline.
The path won’t be easy — the semis could bring some of the sport’s fiercest rivals — but the draw has opened doors. Now it’s about converting promise into podium finishes.
If everything clicks, Paris 2025 could deliver not just one world champion for Malaysia, but a medal haul across multiple events.
Because in badminton, lightning doesn’t just strike twice — sometimes it keeps striking.
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