KUALA LUMPUR – Professional men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia will receive full support under the Road to Gold (RTG) programme for the 2024 Olympic Games qualification pathway.
RTG co-chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria said the support provided does not hinge upon his decision to return to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
“Whether he returns to BAM or not, our decision is clear in that he is one of the athletes to be included in the RTG programme.
“Whatever assistance he needs in preparing, training or coaching, we will provide full support based on the criteria and terms stated under RTG,” he said.
Norza was responding to speculations that the world number four shuttler will return to BAM’s fold after their selfies went on social media recently.
As such, he urged the public to refrain from making more assumptions.
“We have no time left to worry about any speculation, as the Olympics are just around the corner. We need to focus on RTG.
“All parties have their own issues, and we cannot be addressing unnecessary matters in the next year.
“Instead, we need to reduce administrative and process losses and increase marginal gain.
“So, if he (Zii Jia) feels comfortable in his own way to reach his target, we will support him. “The same goes for other athletes listed in the RTG.
“We want to make sure RTG athletes are given the support they need for their Olympic qualification pathway,” he added.
Norza, who is also the BAM president, said he ran into Zii Jia twice – once in Birmingham during the All England Championships when the shuttler was waiting for his food delivery.
They took a selfie and Norza wished Zii Jia good luck.
The second was at an eatery in Sri Hartamas when Norza was having his sahur (pre-dawn) meal. – The Vibes, March 29, 2023
