KUALA LUMPUR — Just weeks after the National Sports Council (NSC) dismissed concerns that Lee Zii Jia might be struggling with depression, the shuttler himself has admitted otherwise.
In an interview with the Badminton World Federation (BWF) in Paris ahead of the World Championships, the former world No. 2 revealed that he did, in fact, battle bouts of depression during the five months he spent on the sidelines recovering from a right ankle injury.
The 27-year-old independent shuttler described the period as the most difficult phase of his career — not only physically, but mentally. He sought solace in travel, books, and even art, which he says became an outlet for his emotions.
“During those five months… I was not just dealing with my injuries, I was dealing with stress, and of course, I did have a little bit of depression,” Zii Jia told BWF.
“I travelled as well, to keep my mind fresh. I was sort of obsessed with art. Looking at art is something that can express our feelings, not just the good side, sometimes the dark side as well. So that’s why I shared those images.”
His cryptic Instagram post last month had sparked speculation about his mental health, which NSC director-general Jefri Ngadirin brushed off, insisting there was “nothing to worry about.”
Now, the world will finally know where Zii Jia stands as he makes his long-awaited return at the world meet, five months after his last competitive outing — the All England in March.
Zii Jia opens his campaign against South Korea’s Jeon Hyeok Jin. Should he progress, a potential second-round clash against China’s world No. 4 Li Shi Feng awaits.
Although his current world ranking has slipped to No. 52, Zii Jia successfully applied for a protected ranking (No. 9) during his injury layoff.
He may no longer be among the sport’s top echelon, but many believe the 2024 Paris Olympic bronze medallist still has what it takes to rise again. Denmark’s two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen, who has withdrawn from the meet, is among those who have not written him off.
For Zii Jia, however, the focus now is simpler than medals or rankings.
“The most important thing is that I want to enjoy the game — and, of course, to be injury-free,” he said. — August 24, 2025