Malaysia men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia celebrates after beating Denmark’s Anders Antonsen during the quarter-final match of Malaysian Masters at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil on Friday. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PETALING JAYA: The ball is now in professional men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia’s court as he weighs a decision on whether to accept the offer to join the elite sports programme, Road to Gold (RTG), in preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh revealed that she had met the world No. 15 last week and presented him with the terms as well as the additional support he would receive if he joins the programme.
Although Zii Jia has until the end of June to make up his mind, Hannah is hopeful that he will come on board as it would allow him access to more comprehensive medical support in the event of future injuries.
Zii Jia was listed in the new batch of RTG athletes due to his status as a bronze medallist at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 27-year-old had previously been offered a spot in the programme but opted to make his own preparations independently.
RTG is an elite sports programme that offers additional support to athletes with the potential to deliver an Olympic gold medal.
“We met with them (Team LZJ) last week and basically discussed the benefits of the RTG programme.
“We hope that by offering these services to Zii Jia, he will say yes,” said Hannah.
“He has nothing to lose. It’s an additional support facility provided by the government, even for independent athletes. The road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is still long, another three years and in sports, the risk of injury is always there.
“If you’re part of Road to Gold, you’ll receive recovery support, just like what was provided to Datuk Azizulhasni Awang and Ng Tze Yong.’’
The Kedah-born shuttler is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a right ankle injury and is expected to make his return at the Japan Open in July.
Apart from Zii Jia, others listed in the latest RTG batch include badminton players Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun. Also named were track cyclists Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom and Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri, as well as weightlifter Aniq Kasdan.
Meanwhile, five athletes have been included in the RTG Fast Track programme. They are squash players Ng Eain Yow and S. Sivasangari, and archers Ariana Nur Dania Mohd Zairi, Syaqiera Mashayikh and Nurul Azreena Fazil.
At the same time, Hannah also expressed hope that Ng Tze Yong will continue striving to earn his spot back in the RTG programme despite currently being sidelined by a serious injury.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have yet to officially reveal the extent of the 25-year-old’s knee injury, but speculation has been rife that it involves the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
“I hope Tze Yong will not give up. I hope he will keep pushing until he makes a full recovery,” added Hannah.
