China’s outside hitter Li Yingying assured her supporters that she will return to competitive volleyball after she fully recovers from her recent heart surgery.
The two-time Olympian revealed that she had to undergo the operation after facing multiple medical evaluations for her cardiac problems.
“Due to a heart condition, I needed surgery. The procedure was very successful, and I have been discharged to recover at home,” she wrote on her official account.
The Chinese volleyball star also shared a photo of her while recovering in the hospital.
She was visited by her fellow national team members Gong Xiangyu and Wang Mengjie.
Li to miss major tournaments
The Chinese Volleyball Association also excluded Li from the country’s lineup for the 2026 Asian Games in September and other major volleyball tournaments.
Li signed up for Numia Vero Volley Milano last year after dominating the Chinese Super League for many seasons.
However, the 26-year-old star player had to give up her international stint due to an ankle injury.
She underwent surgery after suffering from a subluxation of her navicular bone.
The operation also led to her absence in the 2026 Volleyball Nations League.
China will also be missing the services of its star player for the 2026 AVC Women’s Continental Championship this month in Tianjin to allow her to fully recover.
The winner of the continental tournament will secure an automatic spot at the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
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Health is wealth
Li also expressed regret for missing the upcoming Asian Championship and Asian Games tournaments but stressed that her health is the main foundation of her volleyball career.
“For now, I’ll focus on post-surgery rehabilitation and take it step by step to get back into shape,” she said in her recent post.
“I wish the national team all the best in their upcoming competitions – I know they’ll give it their all. And when I’m fully recovered, I look forward to stepping back onto that familiar court again,” Li added, according to CGTN Sports Scene.
Li returned to training for the national team in early April after recovering from her ankle injury and previous shoulder problems but had to take another break after suffering from cardiac issues.
With Li’s absence, China will now have to rely on other star players to secure a spot for the upcoming LA Olympics and dominate the Asian Games volleyball tournament next month.
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Levi Mora