Volleyball Olympian Li Yingying to miss Asian Games, continental meet after heart surgery
The outside hitter is still undergoing rehabilitation, says coach Zhao Yong, whose squad will be captained by Gong Xiangyu
The Chinese Volleyball Association has announced its squad for the coming Asian Games, but two-time Olympian outside hitter Li Yingying has been ruled out of both the Games and the preceding Asian championship after undergoing heart surgery.
Ahead of the official release, Li had revealed on social media that medical evaluations confirmed she would be unable to compete in either tournament.
“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 social media alongside a video slide show.
A 17-second photo montage documented the 26-year-old’s resilient spirit in hospital, including photos with visiting teammates Gong Xiangyu, the team captain, and Wang Mengjie.
“My heart is full of regret, but health is always the foundation of everything,” she wrote.
“Next, I will focus on post-surgery rehabilitation and adjust my condition step by step. I wish the national team great success and strong performances in the coming tournaments, and I look forward to returning to the familiar court once I am fully recovered.”