Amid Retirement Whispers, Lee Zii Jia Eyes 2026 Comeback After Injury-Plagued Year

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It's been a year of stops and starts for Lee Zii Jia, and speculation about his future has been rife

Amid this, the national men's singles badminton player announced today, 18 November, that he will sit out the rest of 2025 to focus on preparing for the 2026 tournament calendar.

For the 27-year-old, this year has been a tough lesson in managing both body and mind.

Lingering back problems and an ankle ligament injury from last December's World Tour Finals in Hangzhou have made every match a challenge, forcing him to withdraw from the Syed Modi India International, scheduled for 25–30 November.

Despite the setbacks, Zii Jia made it clear that this isn't the end.

In a Facebook post, he candidly reflected on the toll the year has taken and shared his plans to recover and make a stronger comeback in 2026.

"As you all know, 2025 has been somewhat of a challenging year and also a learning curve when it comes to managing my physical health. There are days when I feel on top of the world and there are days when I feel the effects of coming back from that ankle injury and the nagging back pain."

Zii Jia added that since his last competitive match at the China Masters in September, he and his team have been working closely with medical experts to plan his return to peak form.

"After taking account on all the feedbacks, and most importantly listening to my body, I feel it is best to close the chapter on 2025 and focus on the upcoming 2026 calendar."

He described 2025 as a rollercoaster; physically, emotionally, and even creatively

However, he noted that the downtime has allowed him to explore new interests, including a surprising fondness for art, while reflecting on his journey.

"I remain motivated and spirited to return to the court. January is just around the corner," Zii Jia wrote, thanking his family, friends, team, sponsors, and fans for standing by him through the ups and downs.

Read his full post here: