[Saba Sports News] The 2026 Thomas & Uber Cup World Badminton Team Championships entered its sixth match day, with the final round of Group A fixtures in the Thomas Cup kicking off as scheduled. Without Shi Yuqi in the lineup, the Chinese men’s team edged the strong Indian side 3-2 to secure top spot in the group. To fans’ surprise, Li Shifeng and the first doubles pair claimed the opening two points for China with victories over their opponents. Li Shifeng in particular has long struggled with inconsistent form, yet he delivered a performance worthy of his true standard in this tie.In the post-match interview, Li Shifeng expressed gratitude to the team, stating that winning crucial matches at major tournaments is an invaluable experience that he deeply cherishes.Meanwhile, Li Shifeng opened up about his injury setback, revealing that his condition will never fully recover. He suffers persistent ankle pain in every training session and competition, leaving him with no choice but to endure and train through the discomfort. He admitted he can no longer regain the competitive form he enjoyed in 2022 and 2023.It is reported that Li Shifeng’s ankle injury dates back to 2014, a chronic long-term issue affecting his right ankle that has relapsed repeatedly in recent years, including ligament damage and sprains. He has relied on cortisone injections, painkillers, ice therapy and underwater running to keep up with training and competitions.
In my opinion, Li Shifeng is suffering from a chronic injury that can never be completely cured. In future competitions, he may try to reduce his reliance on painkillers and external supportive gear. Instead, he should focus on building up muscle strength and making up for physical limitations with mental fortitude.