Is Zii Jia at a crossroads in his badminton career?

Lee Zii Jia in action during a tournament last year - AP

PETALING JAYA: Is national No. 1 singles player Lee Zii Jia looking for ways to leave Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM)?

Indications show that the 2021 All-England Zii Jia is making an attempt to do so.

On Monday, the 23-year-old Zii Jia met up with BAM's president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria but according to a report by Astro, it was only to discuss the former's competition plans.

A council meeting was also held on the same day but according to one of the members, "We had a meeting to confirm on selections and other administrative matters."

Usually, the media are invited for a post council press conference but surprisingly, this time, the invitation was not extended.

A close contact from the BAM said: "Zii Jia has been unhappy and has not been the same for some time."

Another said: "We can't do anything if he wants to leave."

BAM can ban their players if they leave, more so, if they see them as an asset to the national body, afterall they have invested in these players. However, they have made exceptions and allowed players to turn professionals.

Is Zii Jia leaving? If he does, will BAM let him play as a pro? Or is this just a phase in his life as a badminton player?

It all depends on what Zii Jia does next.