Zii Jia's cryptic images on social media send fans and friends into frenzy
The former national No. 1 posted a series of disturbing images on his account, which included one of a faceless, stitched-up figure holding a long, blood-stained needle.
While none of his fans and friends are certain of the true meaning behind his post, they have rallied behind him, offering their support and making sure Zii Jia isn't alone in his struggles.
Women's singles shuttler and good friend of Zii Jia, Goh Jin Wei, wrote, 'Time will heal everything,' while mixed doubles shuttler Lai Pei Jing said, 'Let's work hard together.'
Young doubles shuttler Yap Roy King was also concerned, asking, 'Are you okay bro?', while another mixed doubles player Goh Soon Huat made sure to also leave an emoji to show his support.
Even athletes from other sports hopped over to make sure Zii Jia was seen, with national squash player Ng Eain Yow saying, 'Come on, friend!'.
From China, three-time Olympic diving gold medallist Quan Hongchan said, 'Keep fighting!'
Malaysian badminton superfan Khai Yuen Chao, or better known as Ahjo Badminton, said, 'I know it's hard right now, but I believe in you. One step at a time, you'll rise again.'
The year hasn't been the best for Zii Jia, with him only participating in two tournaments so far, the Orleans Masters and All-England in March, before announcing a break from the courts to nurse a foot injury.
The posts shared by Zii Jia were reposted from China's Xiaohongshu app, which was originally drawn by an artist on Instagram known as Omar El Badri or Axil Tinsti.
Being absent from the court certainly has its effects on any shuttler, as Zii Jia's ranking has dropped to world No. 27, but he has applied for a protected ranking from the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to safeguard his position during the layoff.
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