In the high-pressure world of professional badminton, the spotlight is both a beacon and a burden. For Malaysian men’s singles star Lee Zii Jia, the weight of expectation has been relentless. Recent signs—particularly his cryptic Instagram post that read “Sometimes silence is the loudest scream”—have sparked concern about his emotional well-being.
Among those paying close attention is former Malaysian doubles ace Goh Liu Ying, who has now stepped forward with words of empathy and advice. In an interview with The Star, Liu Ying urged Zii Jia to seek support if he is indeed battling internal struggles.
“It’s okay to admit you’re not okay. If Zii Jia is going through something mentally or emotionally, I hope he talks to someone he trusts. Asking for help is not weakness. It’s strength.”
Coming from a retired athlete who herself has experienced the mental and physical toll of elite competition, Liu Ying’s words carry immense weight. Her public plea signals a shift in how athlete welfare is being addressed in Malaysia—a move toward compassion, understanding, and the prioritization of mental health in sports.
The Pressure Cooker Why Zii Jia’s Situation Is Different
Since making the bold move to leave the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) in 2022 and pursue an independent career, Zii Jia has operated in a unique space—one where every success and failure is solely his own. Without the traditional support system of BAM, he became the face, voice, and business of his own brand, with little room for error.
His independence earned praise for courage, but also came with immense risk. In a nation where badminton is more than sport—it’s national identity—Zii Jia’s burden has often echoed that once carried by Lee Chong Wei. The difference? Lee had the support of an established organization. Zii Jia often walks the tightrope alone.
In 2025, his struggles have been apparent. Early exits in multiple tournaments, a visible dip in form, and that now-famous cryptic social media post suggest more than just fatigue—they suggest an athlete reaching a crossroads.
It’s here that Goh Liu Ying’s intervention becomes crucial.
Liu Ying’s Journey From Stardom to Vulnerability and Recovery
Goh Liu Ying is no stranger to the mental rollercoaster of professional badminton. The former mixed doubles specialist reached world number three with partner Chan Peng Soon and clinched a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Her graceful playing style and fierce determination won her admiration both at home and abroad.
But behind the scenes, Liu Ying battled injuries, confidence issues, and the intense scrutiny that comes with representing Malaysia on the global stage. In her memoir released in 2023, she opened up about the emotional challenges of being sidelined due to injury, dealing with public criticism, and the toll that performance anxiety took on her career.
“I used to feel like I had to be strong all the time,” she wrote. “But pretending to be okay only made things worse.”
It’s precisely this lived experience that informs her advice to Zii Jia. In an era where mental health is finally being discussed more openly in Malaysian sports, Liu Ying’s words act as both a lifeline and a lesson.
Athlete Mental Health A Global Awakening
Zii Jia’s case isn’t isolated. Around the world, top athletes are breaking the silence on mental health. From tennis stars like Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu to gymnastics legend Simone Biles, elite performers are normalizing conversations about emotional wellbeing.
In badminton, Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen has spoken candidly about burnout and the emotional cost of long tours. Even Indonesian doubles stars have noted the psychological burden of constantly performing under pressure.
What makes Zii Jia’s situation more fragile is the absence of a governing body to act as a buffer. His team is self-assembled, meaning that his mental wellness is as much his responsibility as his game plan or physical conditioning. It’s no wonder that someone like Liu Ying—who has seen both sides of the equation—is advocating for him to reach out.
“No one should go through this journey alone,” Liu Ying said. “Even champions need people to lean on.”
Reactions from the Badminton Community
Liu Ying’s statement has sparked wide-ranging reactions. Fans, pundits, and former athletes have weighed in, creating a national dialogue around Zii Jia’s wellbeing.
Former BAM coach Hendrawan, who once mentored Zii Jia, stated:
“It’s hard to be young and famous. You’re expected to win, smile, speak well, and never falter. But that’s not reality. If Zii Jia needs help, I hope he knows the door is open.”
National doubles player Pearly Tan added on Instagram:
“Everyone has tough days. Proud of Liu Ying for speaking up. Mental health should never be taboo.”
Fans have also poured in messages of support on social media, many using hashtags like #SupportZiiJia and #MentalHealthMatters to promote athlete welfare. It’s a stark contrast to the criticism he faced last year after a string of poor performances, showing that public perception can shift when vulnerability is met with empathy.
Why Reaching Out Matters
One of Liu Ying’s core messages is about the importance of seeking help—not just from professionals, but from friends, teammates, mentors, and family.
“Sometimes the simple act of talking can lift a huge weight off your chest. You don’t have to carry it all alone.”
Mental health professionals echo her sentiment. Dr. Tan Mei Ling, a sports psychologist based in Kuala Lumpur, emphasized that athletes often internalize pressure until it becomes overwhelming.
“Elite athletes are trained to suppress pain, physical or emotional. But suppression leads to isolation. Opening up is the first step toward healing.”
Dr. Tan also pointed out that early intervention prevents long-term emotional damage, burnout, or even premature retirement—issues that have affected athletes in the past.
If Zii Jia were to seek help, it could be the catalyst for better mental strategies, renewed motivation, and perhaps even improved performance on the court.
The Role of BAM and the Broader Sporting System
Though Zii Jia left BAM in 2022, many believe the governing body still has a role to play in ensuring the wellbeing of Malaysia’s top athletes—regardless of affiliation.
Former national great Hafiz Hashim suggested a more inclusive approach:
“We need to set ego aside. Zii Jia represents Malaysia, not just himself. If BAM has resources, they should offer them. It’s about national pride, but also human decency.”
Such calls have reignited the debate about the relationship between independent players and national bodies. Should BAM create a support mechanism for all Malaysian athletes? Could there be a neutral committee that ensures athlete wellness across the board?
The situation also brings into focus the role of sponsors and commercial partners. While they benefit from the athlete’s image and success, few contribute meaningfully to psychological support systems. As fans, stakeholders, and governing bodies look ahead, it’s clear that a more holistic approach is needed.
What’s Next for Zii Jia
As of now, Zii Jia has not made a public statement regarding Liu Ying’s comments or clarified the meaning behind his cryptic Instagram story. His next scheduled appearance is at the Malaysia Open in August 2025. Whether he competes or takes a break will speak volumes.
There are several paths forward:
- Temporary Break: He could announce a short sabbatical to recharge mentally and emotionally.
- Public Clarification: He may choose to address his fans, share his struggles, and outline a plan.
- Team Overhaul: He might bring in a mental coach or sports psychologist to bolster his current setup.
- Silent Continuation: He may opt to remain quiet and let his performance do the talking.
Regardless of his next move, one thing is clear: he now has more public support than ever. From legends like Liu Ying to everyday fans, the badminton world is ready to rally behind him—not just as a player, but as a person.
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