The National Sports Institute (NSI) has pledged full support for Lee Zii Jia after the Malaysian shuttler announced an early end to his season due to ongoing ankle and back injuries.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said Zii Jia can reach out anytime for assistance from NSI’s Dr. P. Vellapandian, emphasising the importance of proper recovery after a demanding year.
The world No. 83 has competed in only five tournaments this year, withdrawing from several due to recurring pain. His struggles date back to injuries sustained at last year’s World Tour Finals.
Despite brief returns—including the Orleans Masters, All England, Paris World Championships, Hong Kong Open, and China Masters—Zii Jia has opted to “close the chapter on 2025” and focus on rehabilitation.
He described the year as physically and emotionally challenging, even discovering a new interest in art during his downtime. Concerns from fans over his dark-themed drawings prompted checks from sports authorities to ensure his well-being.
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