Hannah urges Lee Zii Jia to prioritise recovery for demanding 2026 season
The shuttler reflected on the physical and emotional challenges he faced this season, including an ankle injury and persistent low back pain.
KUALA LUMPUR – Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has emphasised the importance of rest and recovery for national badminton star Lee Zii Jia, following a physically and emotionally challenging year.
Speaking at the announcement of Skechers as the official footwear partner for Team Malaysia at the 33rd SEA Games, held at Skechers Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) earlier today, Hannah urged Lee to use the upcoming holiday period to recuperate, avoid burnout, and return refreshed for the demanding 2026 season.
“Lee Zii Jia will have the chance to recover during this holiday period. It is crucial for him to return refreshed for the new season, especially with such a demanding badminton schedule. If athletes experience injury or difficult periods without proper recovery, they risk eventual burnout.
“This is why we want Lee to use this time to regain his balance and return next year with renewed purpose. If he requires support, he may contact the National Sports Institute (NSI) and we will provide the help he needs,” Hannah said.
The minister’s comments come after Lee officially announced on Nov 18 that he would be stepping back from competition for the remainder of the year to focus on recovery and preparation for 2026.
The shuttler reflected on the physical and emotional challenges he faced this season, including an ankle injury and persistent low back pain.
“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.
“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 in ensuring that I am able to compete to the best of my abilities.
“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.
“My thanks goes out to a lot of people; my family, friends, my team, my sponsors who have been in my corner since day one, and of course, the fans who I look forward to seeing again soon,” Lee wrote on Instagram.
The former All England 2021 champion affirmed his motivation to return stronger next year, with renewed focus on his professional and personal growth.
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