Lee Zii Jia is set to make his long-awaited return to competitive action at the BWF World Badminton Championships in Paris from 25–31 August.
Malaysia’s top men’s singles shuttler, Zii Jia was absent from court due to injury and will be raring to go at the Worlds.
After receiving an invitation, Zii Jia has confirmed his participation in the tournament, as updated by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) on 29 July.
The 27-year-old has until 12 August to withdraw should he reconsider.
The Malaysian had been missing from action for most of 2025 with a recurring left ankle ligament injury, restricting him to just two events this season—the Orléans Masters and All England in March—before the issue resurfaced.
The former world number two was slated to return at US Open in June but his plan was aborted, and he subsequently missed the China and Japan Opens.
Despite the setbacks, Zii Jia successfully secured a protected ranking to ensure his eligibility for major events.
If he confirms his participation, Lee will be joined in the men’s draw by compatriot Leong Jun Hao, who’s making his World Championships debut. Goh Jin Wei and K. Letshanaa will represent Malaysia in the women’s singles.
Zii Jia, now ranked world No. 35, will be hoping for another memorable outing in the French capital, having won a bronze medal there at last year’s Olympic Games.
The draw for the BWF World Championships will take place on 13 August when players will find their opponent.
Lee Zii Jia is an All England champion. He is best known for his smash, especially his backhand smash, physical agility, speed and reflexes in men’s singles.
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Lee Zii Jia: Career Highlights
Here are some of the highlights from his career:
- Men’s singles gold medalist at the 2019 SEA Games and won his first BWF Super 1000 title at the 2021 All England Open.
- Men’s singles champion at the 2022 Badminton Asia Championships.
- Bronze medal in the men’s singles event at the 2024 Summer Olympics,
- Third Malaysian men’s singles player to win a medal at the Olympic Games after Rashid Sidek and Lee Chong Wei
