KUALA LUMPUR – Two national professional players, Lee Zii Jia and Goh Jin Wei, have decided not to participate in the national badminton squad’s centralised training camp scheduled to be held in Aire Sur La Lys, France on July 15 ahead of the Paris Olympics.
Speaking to Scoop, Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) coaching director, Rexy Mainaky stated that invitations had been extended to both players. However, they have chosen to follow their respective coaches’ planned training schedules.
Currently, Zii Jia is training in Singapore alongside Loh Kean Yew and Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn, while Jin Wei continues her training at the Sports Affairs Badminton Club in Cheras.
“At that time, there was a discussion with administration director Michelle Chai together with Jin Wei who initially accepted the invitation. However, she changed her decision because she preferred to train here with her coach, Nova Armada.
“It is not that the training centre in France is only for ABM players, we have opened it to everyone. However, I believe Zii Jia and his support team have their own plans, as does Jin Wei,” said Rexy.
Hence, the upcoming centralised training camp in France will only be attended by Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik (men’s doubles), Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah (women’s doubles), and Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei (mixed doubles), accompanied by 12 players serving as sparring partners.
At the same time, Rexy clarified that he has no issue coaching Jin Wei in Paris, despite her unsuccessful request for additional accreditation passes to bring her coach along.
“First and foremost, I see you as a Malaysian athlete. I don’t care who you are. If you have trust not just in me, but in the entire existing coaching team heading to Paris, I am ready to assist.
“Jin Wei’s coach, Nova Armada, has already contacted me, informing me of his plans for Jin Wei, and I will meet with him before departure to understand more about what he wants me to focus on with Jin Wei in Paris.
“I believe Nova has been preparing Jin Wei for months, and he may provide some final tips for his student, perhaps tactics or strategies to be used in Paris,” he added.
The badminton events at the Paris Olympics will take place from July 27 to August 5, 2024, at the Porte de la Chapelle Arena. – July 4, 2024