Chong Wei extends invite but Zii Jia yet to reply for Thomas Cup camp duty

Lee Zii Jia. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

PETALING JAYA: The ball is now in Lee Zii Jia’s court after the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) sent an official invitation to the former Asian champion to join a centralised training stint ahead of the Thomas Cup in April.

BAM performance committee chairman Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei, together with the national coaching set-up, have begun early preparations as Malaysia aim to end a 34-year wait to reclaim the prestigious Cup.

However, Chong Wei said there has been no response so far from the player or his management, Team LZJ.

Zii Jia, who battled injuries last year, is still regarded as a crucial figure in Malaysia’s bid to lift the trophy.

“For now, we are inviting independent players to join BAM training for a week, maybe two or three times. We have also invited him for the Thomas Cup, but he has yet to reply. We hope he can respond soon and join the training anytime. The feeling in a team event is different from playing individual tournaments.

“We have not received any update on his injury after the Thailand Masters. Whether it is serious or not, he would know better. As far as I know, we have only followed up via email. We sent him an invitation and I believe BAM will get in touch with him again regarding the call-up,” said Chong Wei.

 

After an injury-affected 2025, Zii Jia returned to action in January and took part in four tournaments. However, he had to retire while playing Indonesia's Alwi Farhan in the Thailand Masters.

Besides Zii Jia, BAM have also called up Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin and men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani to train at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara as part of their Thomas Cup preparations.

At the same time, the former world No. 1 player also urged all players, regardless of their status, to come together in a united effort to end the country’s three decade drought.

“Because this is a team event, we need to be united. This is not an individual tournament. We are playing as a team and for the country,” added Chong Wei.

BAM are also planning to send the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup squads to Denmark earlier to allow them to acclimatise to conditions in Horsens. The Thomas Cup will be held from April 24-May 3.