PETALING JAYA: Independent shuttler Lee Zii Jia could be set to break new ground in Malaysian badminton by becoming the first independent player to train full-time with the national squad.
Zii Jia was invited to join training sessions with the national team at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara several weeks before the Thomas Cup in Horsens.
He also showed strong commitment by taking part in the eight-day centralised training camp in Herning.
The 28-year-old showed encouraging signs by winning all his matches in the group stage, with his performances standing out compared to Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh and fellow independent player Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin, who were also part of the Thomas Cup squad.
However, BAM performance committee chairman Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei said the matter needs to be discussed with the committee before any decision is made.
“On this, I need to discuss with the committee members because the initial agreement was for him to help us in the Thomas Cup.
“Next, we have the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, which also includes a team event.
“If you ask me, I welcome it because he is a Malaysian player and he can train at the ABM anytime, as long as he follows the rules set by BAM,” said Chong Wei.
He also believes Zii Jia’s presence could create a win-win situation by helping to raise the level of the national singles players, while Zii Jia would benefit from quality sparring and higher training intensity.
“Every time we discuss this with the management when Zii Jia trains at the ABM, it is about how we can share knowledge.
“Beyond that, it is not entirely up to me as I am also bound by the rules and guidelines. Zii Jia has his own team, and BAM also have their concerns.
“However, we will try to create a win-win situation like in the Thomas Cup, where we did our best to support him.”
Four years ago, Zii Jia made a surprise decision to leave the national team in 2022 to turn professional.
He is currently coached by former national player Liew Daren.
