Lee Zii Jia has opened up about the difficult period of his career, admitting that many things did not go as he expected after leaving the national team as he continues his journey to return to his best level.
The Malaysian men's singles shuttler shared that he initially believed focusing fully on training and competition would allow him to progress, while trusted individuals handled other aspects of his career. However, over time, especially during periods of injury, poor form and mental struggles, he realised that some situations were different from what he had expected.
Zii Jia explained that one of the biggest challenges came when he was dealing with setbacks but felt unable to openly communicate his difficulties with those around him. The experience forced him to reflect on his decisions and take a more active role in managing his own career.
Source: Free Malaysia Today
The Olympic bronze medallist has endured a challenging period in recent seasons, with injuries and inconsistent performances affecting his progress. Despite those setbacks, he remains determined to rebuild his confidence and regain his place among the world's top players.
Zii Jia's recent return to competition has shown signs of improvement. After a difficult spell away from the top level, he reached the semi-finals of the Canada Open, marking his best World Tour performance in more than two years.
The 28-year-old also benefited from training sessions with national players and match preparation alongside Malaysia's squad, although he has made it clear that he will continue as an independent player rather than return to the national setup full-time.
Moving forward, Zii Jia is focused on controlling the areas he can influence and rebuilding step by step. Rather than looking back at past difficulties, the former All England champion hopes to use those experiences as motivation to write the next chapter of his career.
