Chinese Volleyball Star Li Yingying Undergoes Successful Heart Surgery, Will Miss Asian Games

Chinese volleyball ace and two-time Olympian Li Yingying has successfully undergone heart surgery, resolving a significant health concern that had recently sidelined the star outside hitter.

The 26-year-old standout confirmed the news on social media on Wednesday, sharing that while the cardiac issue will force her to miss the upcoming Asian Games, the procedure itself went perfectly.

"I had to undergo surgery due to cardiac issues. The operation was a success, and I have now been discharged from the hospital to recover at home," Li wrote to her supporters.[1]

To highlight her resilient spirit, Li posted a 17-second photo montage documenting her hospital stay, which included visits from national team captain Gong Xiangyu and teammate Wang Mengjie.

The successful intervention brings a wave of relief to the Chinese national team and its fans, who have watched Li battle through a string of physical setbacks over the past year.[2]

During the 2025 domestic league playoffs, Li suffered a severe right ankle injury involving ligament damage, which required a lengthy rehabilitation and kept her out of this season's Women's Volleyball Nations League.

Despite returning to the national team's training camp in early April, the newly discovered heart condition required immediate attention, prompting medical evaluations that ruled her out of late-summer competition.[1]

Following a comprehensive medical assessment, Li officially withdrew from the AVC Women's Volleyball Continental Championship, which opens on August 21 in Tianjin, as well as the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.[1]

"I feel deeply disappointed, yet health will always come first," Li explained, emphasizing that her long-term well-being and eventual return to the court take priority over immediate tournament play.[1]

Chinese national team head coach Zhao Yong confirmed that Li is now focused entirely on her post-surgery rehabilitation, with Gong Xiangyu stepping up to captain the squad through the upcoming continental events.

The stakes for the AVC Continental Championship remain incredibly high, as the winner will secure an automatic berth to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.[1][2]

While her teammates fight for Olympic qualification, Li remains optimistic about her future in the sport. "Moving forward, I will focus on the rehabilitation and gradually get back into shape," she stated. "I look forward to returning to the court once I make a full recovery."[1]