SHAH ALAM – National singles player Lee Zii Jia has appointed Indonesian-born Indra Wijaya as his new coach after leaving the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) because he felt that Indra deeply cared for him and treated him like a son.
The world number seven said he was happy to be given the chance to work with Indra again.
“Coach Indra was the person who was responsible for helping me since I was a teenager become who I am today.
“He is one of the best. He would focus on each player’s form and offer them a lot of advice,” he said to the media after his match at the Badminton Asia Team Championships, where he downed Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew 21-6, 21-14 to score the first point for Malaysia in the men’s category.
Zii Jia added that he is also focused on bringing in a physiotherapist and a fitness coach next to join Indra as part of his team when he competes at the German Open 2022 in March.
He appointed Indra as his coach under his newly registered Lee Zii Jia Badminton Club.
Although he refused to comment further about the details of the club, he did say that it was not established as an open sports club.
“I have no plans to train young players yet. The club makes it easier for me to hire coach Indra and other team members to help me train.
“However, I would like to thank (Deputy Youth and Sports Minister) Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker for helping me gain approval for the club. It was a smooth and quick process,” said Zii Jia.
Lian Ker recently announced Indra’s appointment on his Facebook page and unveiled the formation of the Lee Zii Jia Badminton Club.
Indra is currently the national team singles coach. His contract with Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) will end on March 31.
The deputy minister indicated in his post that BAM is ready to release Indra to aid the All-England Champion with his career development. – The Vibes, February 17, 2022
