KUALA LUMPUR – National shuttler Lee Zii Jia has officially resigned from the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
The announcement was confirmed by BAM president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria and secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh.
“We received his letter on January 11. He says he could not stand the pressure and would want to pursue his own dreams at his own pace,” said Norza.
Meanwhile Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu told The Vibes when contacted that he will speak to Zii Jia and those involved over the matter.
At the same time, former badminton legend Datuk James Selvaraj shared his surprise with The Vibes.
“I was shocked when I heard the news.
“His sudden departure from BAM suggests that something must have triggered him to do so.
“Whichever badminton club he decides to join next, they must be able to provide him with the same opportunities and facilities that BAM offers.
“BAM has given him everything, including contracts and the best possible treatment, for him to perform.
“Perhaps, in a different environment, Zii Jia will be able to perform better. We wish him the best of luck,” James told The Vibes.
The former national player also added that other international players, who left national badminton associations, have gone on to claim success on their own and he wishes Zii Jia the same in all his future endeavours.
Zii Jia won the 2021 All England Open Badminton Championship last year after clinching the men’s singles gold medal in the 2019 SEA Games in the Philippines.
The 23-year-old shuttler from Kedah had also won the Chinese Taipei Open in 2018 and the Polish International in 2017.
He was runner-up for the 2016 India International Series, the 2018 Korea Masters and the Hylo Open last year.
In September last year, the country was also shocked with the announcement of 2017 SEA Games women’s singles champion Goh Jin Wei retiring due to health-related reasons. – The Vibes, January 19, 2022
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