PETALING JAYA: Independent shuttler Lee Zii Jia has plans to continue training at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara, but not on a full time basis.
The Paris Olympic bronze medallist acknowledged the benefits of training with the national squad at ABM, but said several matters need to be discussed with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to ensure the arrangement runs smoothly.
“There is a plan, but I think it still needs to be discussed because this is not a place that I just come and go as whenever I like.
"Hopefully BAM will invite me, maybe for match play. Definitely not full time,” said Zii Jia.
One of the key issues is sponsorship, as Zii Jia, who is currently competing as an independent player under Victor, differs from the national squad, which uses Yonex.
“I will leave that to BAM to deal with their sponsors. For me, I have no problem coming in to train, but when it involves sponsorship, there might be some conflict because I understand BAM’s rules.
“From my side, I understand their concerns on sponsorship, but let’s see how we can find a solution,” he added.
Despite operating independently for the past four years, Zii Jia admitted that the training system at ABM remains among the best, even as some have criticised the current form of the national singles players.
He recently trained there for several sessions in preparation for the Thomas Cup and personally felt the intensity within the national set up was very high.
The stint also helped him regain confidence and rediscover his touch, as he went on to deliver strong performances in the tournament.
More importantly, Zii Jia came through all his matches without injury, an issue that had troubled him in the past.
“I have to admit the training at BAM is good. They have quality players. It’s nothing new for me because I have trained there before. The difference is the quality,” he said.
