Cryptic Instagram post by Lee Zii Jia sparks concern among fans
The post featured several black-and-white illustrations without any explanation or caption.
There are 10 illustrations in the post, including one of a faceless, stitched-up figure holding a long, blood-stained needle.
Another image showed a person lying on a sofa with sharp objects piercing their body and an exposed brain.
The disturbing nature of the post has raised concerns among fans over the 27-year-old's emotional wellbeing and state of mind, especially as he remains on the sidelines while recovering from a foot injury.
Zii Jia has only competed in two tournaments this year — the Orleans Masters and the All England in March — before announcing a long break to focus on recovery.
According to The Star, his world ranking has since dropped to 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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Borneo Post
25 minutes ago
- Borneo Post
No cause for alarm over Zii Jia, says NSC chief
Lee Zii Jia is seen in action against during the Paris 2024 Olympics men's singles badminton event at the Porte De La Chapelle Arena in Paris August 5, 2024. — Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR (July 5): The National Sports Council (NSC) says there is nothing to worry about the 'strange' actions of professional singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia, which raised questions after he shared several mysterious sketches on social media yesterday. NSC director-general Jefri Ngadirin said the council as well as Minister of Youth and Sports Hannah Yeoh had contacted Lee Zii Jia's team (Team LZJ) to ascertain why the player is behaving in such a startling manner. The mysterious posts (apparently of disturbing images including a stitched-up figure holding a blood-stained needle) by Zii Jia has now attracted more than 131,000 likes and more than 3,000 comments, thus raising speculation about the meaning behind his sharing, including allegations that the 27-year-old may be facing personal or mental health problems or an internal crisis. 'They (Team LZJ) informed that there is nothing to worry about Zii Jia. Maybe Zii Jia out of curiosity and so on, posted the pictures, or he is interested in that kind of art. 'However, we are always open to help if his team needs help from NSC or the National Sports Institute (ISN),' Jefri said at the 2025 Athletes' Day programme held at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium here today. Jeffri at the same time rejected claims by some parties that the Kedah-born athlete is suffering from depression, besides insisting that NSC would continue to communicate with Team LZJ. 'His team and friends also do not see any indication that he has any mental or personal problems. 'In today's generation, they might like that kind of art, right? So, let him express himself,' he said. Zii Jia, currently ranked 27th in the world, is expected to return to action at the Japan Open, which will take place from July 15-20. His ranking slipped outside the world's top 20, having only played in two tournaments this year after injuring his right ankle at the World Tour Finals in December. – Bernama badminton Lee Zii Jia national sports council social media
The Star
40 minutes ago
- The Star
It's art, no cause for alarm over Zii Jia, says NSC chief
Lee Zii Jia. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: The National Sports Council (NSC) say there is nothing to worry about the 'strange' actions of professional singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia, which raised questions after he shared several mysterious sketches on social media on Friday. NSC director-general Jefri Ngadirin said the council as well as Minister of Youth and Sports Hannah Yeoh had contacted Lee Zii Jia's team (Team LZJ) to ascertain why the player is behaving in such a startling manner. The mysterious posts (apparently of disturbing images including a stitched-up figure holding a blood-stained needle) by Zii Jia has now attracted more than 131,000 likes and more than 3,000 comments, thus raising speculation about the meaning behind his sharing, including allegations that the 27-year-old may be facing personal or mental health problems or an internal crisis. "They (Team LZJ) informed that there is nothing to worry about Zii Jia. Maybe Zii Jia out of curiosity and so on, posted the pictures, or he is interested in that kind of art. "However, we are always open to help if his team needs help from NSC or the National Sports Institute (ISN),' Jefri said at the Athletes' Day programme held at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium here on Saturday. Jeffri at the same time rejected claims by some parties that the Kedah-born athlete is suffering from depression, besides insisting that NSC would continue to communicate with Team LZJ. "His team and friends also do not see any indication that he has any mental or personal problems. "In today's generation, they might like that kind of art, right? So, let him express himself,' he said. Zii Jia, currently ranked 27th in the world, is expected to return to action at the Japan Open, which will take place from July 15-20. His ranking slipped outside the world's top 20, having only played in two tournaments this year after injuring his right ankle at the World Tour Finals in December. - Bernama
The Star
7 hours ago
- The Star
Zii Jia's cryptic images on social media send fans and friends into frenzy
PETALING JAYA: A single Instagram post was all it took to stir widespread concern for shuttler Lee Zii Jia, whose cryptic message yesterday left friends and fans rallying support for him. 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.
