KUALA LUMPUR – Independent men’s singles player Lee Zii Jia thanked the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) for its continued trust in him after being named to the country’s Thomas Cup squad today.
“The eight letters spelling my beloved country’s name ‘Malaysia’ far outweigh the five letters that are my name on my jersey.
“It is an honour carrying Malaysian pride in individual tournaments and even more so in team events like the historic Thomas Cup with my fellow countrymen.
“Thank you, BAM for continuing to trust in my abilities to deliver for the team,” said TeamLZJ in a post on its official X account.
Doubts emerged last week that the world number 11 would skip badminton’s premier team competition after his management informed Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) coaching director Rexy Mainaky that playing in the tournament would make his tournament load overwhelming heading into the Paris Olympics in July.
However, speaking to Chinese media at the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, the Kedahan had repeatedly hinted that he was ready to accept Malaysia’s call for the Thomas Cup.
With Ng Tze Yong still recovering from back surgery, Rexy had a nightmare situation in the men’s singles department.
ABM then called in professional player Cheam June Wei to train in Bukit Kiara to assess his fitness if he is needed to be called in to replace both Zii Jia and Tze Yong.
All three will make the trip to Chengdu for the Thomas Cup alongside Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh.
Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and Muhammad Haikal Nazri will spearhead the nation’s charge in the men’s doubles.
The Thomas Cup will be held at the Hi-tech Zone Sports Centre from April 28 until May 5. – April 12, 2024