Lee Zii Jia Targets January 2026 Return, Vowing to Come Back “Stronger”
Kuala Lumpur — Malaysian badminton star Lee Zii Jia has officially closed the book on his demanding 2025 season, announcing a temporary hiatus from competitive play to focus on intensive physical and mental recovery. The former All England champion and Paris Olympics bronze medalist has set his sights firmly on a return in January 2026, aiming to kick off the new year—and a new chapter in his career—at the prestigious Malaysia Open.
Lee, 27, made the announcement via a heartfelt personal statement on his social media platform, confirming that persistent physical ailments, particularly a nagging back pain and lingering effects from a previous ankle injury, necessitated the break. His season abruptly ended after he was forced to retire during the opening round of the China Masters in September 2025 against Taiwan’s Lin Chun-Yi.
“2025 has been somewhat of a challenging year and also a learning curve when it comes to managing my physical health,” Lee wrote in his post. “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.”
Listening to the Body: The Imperative for Rehabilitation
Following his withdrawal from the Australian Open 2025, where he was the defending champion and which marked his last World Tour silverware before the Olympics, Lee and his team consulted medical experts. The consensus was clear: extensive rehabilitation was crucial to ensure his longevity and ability to compete at the peak level expected of an elite men’s singles shuttler.
“Since my last competitive match at the China Masters in September, my team and I have been working closely with medical experts on how to best move forward,” he explained. “After taking account of all the feedback 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.”
This decision, though difficult, reflects a matured understanding of the high-stakes, physically taxing nature of the BWF World Tour circuit. It prioritizes long-term fitness over short-term participation, a strategy many top athletes adopt after grueling Olympic cycles.
Finding Solace in Art: A Break for the Mind
While the primary focus of the hiatus is physical recovery, the break has also provided a vital opportunity for mental rejuvenation. Lee revealed a surprising new passion discovered during his time away from the court: art.
“To say that it has been a rollercoaster of a year physically and emotionally would be an understatement, but there has also been a lot of discovery about myself, who knew that art is something that I am fond of,” Lee shared.
This creative outlet provides a crucial balance to the intense mental pressure inherent in professional sports. Focusing on activities like art allows the mind to rest and process the emotional toll of setbacks and high-pressure tournaments, ensuring he returns to the court mentally sharper and emotionally resilient.
The Target: January 2026 Malaysia Open
The specific target date for his comeback has been confirmed as January 2026, perfectly aligning with the commencement of the new badminton calendar year, traditionally marked by the Super 1000 Malaysia Open.
“I remain motivated and spirited to return to the court. January is just around the corner,” he stated confidently.
A return at the Malaysia Open would offer him the ideal platform: playing in front of a passionate home crowd, which is certain to provide a massive boost to his confidence and morale as he seeks to re-establish his dominance in the men’s singles arena.
Despite featuring in only five events in 2025 due to injuries, Lee remains one of Malaysia’s most decorated shuttlers, a title he earned through career highlights like the 2021 All England crown and consistent performances in major international tournaments, including the 2022 Commonwealth Games and Thomas Cup.
Fans and pundits alike have responded with overwhelming support, urging the shuttler to take the necessary time for a full recovery. Social media comments flooded his announcement with messages like, “It’s ok. Come back stronger than before, ok. We all wait for you,” reflecting the nation’s unwavering loyalty.
Lee Zii Jia is entering this hiatus not as a retreat, but as a calculated strategic pause. By leveraging this time for deep recovery and personal growth, he is laying the foundation for what he intends to be a stronger, more sustainable, and ultimately more successful 2026 season. The world of badminton awaits the return of the Malaysian maestro, hopeful that this period of rehabilitation will unleash the full, unrestricted power of his game.
