PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei has welcomed Lee Zii Jia with open arms, expressing relief over the independent shuttler’s willingness to strengthen Malaysia’s Thomas Cup campaign and waive his image rights fees.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) performance committee chairman also invited Zii Jia to train at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara during the centralised camp – and even beyond – in a bid to build chemistry ahead of the prestigious team event.
“If he wants to start training at the ABM tomorrow, I welcome him because I want him to build chemistry with the other players as this is a team event.
“For me, that matter of Zii Jia’s terms is not an issue. I am trying to be fair and as I said, BAM are now under new management and a new president, and we will try to reach a consensus with him."
Chong Wei also urged all parties to rally behind not only Zii Jia but the entire Malaysian camp as they attempt to end the country’s 34-year-wait since last lifting the Thomas Cup in 1992 in Kuala Lumpur.
“We now have a good team and everyone wants Malaysia to end the 34-year-wait to win the Thomas Cup. But my task now is to reduce the pressure on the players because this is a huge responsibility,” said Chong Wei when contacted.
This year’s Thomas Cup will be held in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24-May 3.
