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 Academy Badminton Malaysia 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.
At the same time, Chong Wei assured that BAM would do everything possible to ensure Zii Jia is in peak condition for the assignment, including access to medical and sports science support at the National Sports Institute (NSI).
“I am not sure whether he has met the chief executive officer of the National Sports Institute, Dr. P. Vellapandian, but Dr. Vella is easy to deal with. I am ready to help arrange a meeting with the NSI so he can share his condition.
“But all this depends on him. I can only help provide what is best for the players and coaches,” added Chong Wei.
Dr. Vellapandian had previously indicated that the NSI are prepared to offer free services to Zii Jia despite his independent status, as he competes for the country.
