KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 25 – National No 1 Lee Zii Jia scored a morale boosting “victory” when the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria gave his “blessings” for the player to turn professional.
The two parties struck a “win-win” deal that will benefit both the player and the national badminton body.
This came a day after the 23-year-old Zii Jia filed an appeal on the two-year ban slapped on him for quitting the national team a week ago.
The ban, described as “cruel” in the badminton world, including an international cry that earned him massive backing from around the world, gained momentum by the day. The ban is described as “extremely harsh” as badminton is his livelihood.
Zii Jia, who hails from Kedah, is Malaysia’s hope for a podium finish at the 2024 Tokyo Olympics after a disastrous outing a the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, last year.
Much was expected from the Malaysian in Tokyo after he won the prestigious All-England title in March this year. He is also the reigning SEA Games champion.
The BAM came down hard on the player after he quit the BAM stable but it drew criticism all round.
The social media fully supported Zii Jia for his bid to turn professional to take his badminton career to a higher level.
It is believed he has received a lucrative deal from sponsors that is too good to turn down – far better than what he is getting from the BAM.
BAM deputy president Datuk Seri Jaharberdeen Yunoos confirmed that the win-win deal will benefit both parties. The details will be officially announced next week.
Earlier today, Zii Jia and his parents met Tan Sri Norza in a private meeting to sort out the matter on Zii Jia’s ban.
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