KUALA LUMPUR: Canadian badminton star Michelle Li faced a devastating end to her European campaign when she was narrowly defeated in the semi-finals of the Swiss Open on Saturday.

The world No. 20 showed remarkable resilience but ultimately succumbed to Denmark’s Line Kjaersfeldt, with scores of 21-14, 12-21, 21-17 after an intense 62-minute match in Basel.

Following the defeat, Li bravely shared her experiences regarding an unsettling assault that she faced prior to the tournament.

She expressed that while sports can be physically taxing, mental fortitude is often tested even more so in personal life. “I’ve had to navigate not only the challenges on the court but also the emotional repercussions of my experience outside of badminton,” she revealed.

This courageous conversation aims to shed light on the broader issue of athlete safety and mental health, encouraging others to speak out about their own challenges.

Li’s performance throughout the tournament demonstrated her determination and talent, reinforcing her position as one of the rising stars in women’s badminton.

Despite the loss, her journey continues to inspire many young athletes, reminding them that setbacks do not define their career but, instead, can foster strength and resilience.

As the badminton season progresses, all eyes will be on Li as she prepares for upcoming competitions in the bid to reclaim her spot among the top contenders in the sport.

With her tenacity becoming the talk of the town, fans are eager to see how she will channel her experiences into future matches.

Stay tuned for Michelle Li’s journey as she continues to battle both on and off the court!