Copenhagen: Lee Zii Jia, the World No. 13 men’s singles badminton player from Malaysia, has responded to the ongoing controversy concerning sponsorship jersey issues between his team and the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM). Notably, Malaysian badminton icon Lee Chong Wei has also shared his thoughts on this matter.
Speaking to Astro Arena in Copenhagen, Lee Zii Jia emphasized that everyone possesses the right to express their viewpoints, but asserting his team’s commitment to their stance.
Lee Zii Jia enggan lagi panjangkan isu beliau dengan BAM!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥#NadiArena #AstroArena pic.twitter.com/30z4MhSJB4
— ASTRO ARENA (@ASTROARENA) August 20, 2023
On Wednesday (August 16th), Wong Tat Meng, Lee Zii Jia’s coach, shared a post on Instagram, accusing BAM of imposing unfair regulations on professional players. The association had allegedly mandated that players refrain from wearing sportswear from non-sponsor brands (YONEX) during joint practice sessions with the national team.
The following day, former world No. 1, Lee Chong Wei, criticized both Lee Zii Jia and Wong Tat Meng for intentionally fanning the flames of an unnecessary issue. Lee Chong Wei urged Lee Zii Jia to consider more than just his own interests and to handle the sponsor turmoil with greater maturity and responsibility.
In response to the critique by Lee Chong Wei, Lee Zii Jia broke his silence during on Sunday (August 20th) while training at the Royal Arena, the venue of the BWF World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark.
“Everyone has the right to express their opinions. As for me, we will stand firm in our stance, and I’ll support and respect my coach’s decision.”
Regarding Coach Wong’s Instagram post in regards to the jersey controversy, Lee said: “Coach Wong has the right to voice his opinion, just as everyone else does. I will respect his viewpoint. Personally, the sudden change of this rule is perplexing, and I’m not entirely sure what led to it, but it is what it is.”
In the aftermath of the conflicts with BAM, Lee Zii Jia has been unable to train with Ng Tze Yong, his sparring partner in BAM. In the interview, he was asked if this disruption affected his readiness for the World Badminton Championships.
“The level of play between Tze Yong and me is quite evenly matched now. That’s why we have been training with each other. This arrangement not only benefited me, but Tze Yong has also made considerable progress.”
“Fortunately, Kantaphon Wangcharoen from Thailand has joined me for training. So, I don’t think I have any sparring partner issues in preparation for the World Championships.”
At the end of the interview, Lee Zii Jia showed his determination to do well at the World Championships.
“I aim to prove myself in every competition. This event holds immense significance for our country, and I hope to successfully demonstrate my capabilities.”
