Malaysian star shuttler Lee Zii Jia to not be a part of the Road to Gold programme
Malaysian star shuttler Lee Zii Jia has opted out of the Road to Gold (RTG) program, a government-endorsed initiative aimed at bolstering athletes’ preparations for the Paris Olympics 2024. The RTG committee, in a statement released on November 14, confirmed the same after a virtual meeting with Lee Zii Jia’s team. Earlier, the committee had set a deadline for Zii Jia to join but chose not to sign up for the program.
The meeting included Zii Jia’s coaches, Wong Tat Meng and Liew Daren, and his sister and manager, Lee Zii Yii, representing Team LZJ. They explained that after extensive internal consultation, the team took the decision that Zii Jia would not require the additional services provided by RTG. However, Team LZJ committed to maintaining close collaboration with Malaysian sports authorities, including the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Olympic Council of Malaysia, the National Sports Council, and the National Sports Institute to prepare for the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024.
What the Sports Minister had to say
The Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, in a conversation with FMT, highlighted the athlete’s decision to join the RTG initiative. She stated, “I cannot force an athlete who doesn’t want to accept or who has access to other facilities.” “I believe it is up to the athletes themselves to decide whether or not they want or need additional support from RTG, ” she further added.
Lee Zii Jia being an independent athlete
Lee Zii Jia is the first athlete to decline the offer of joining RTG, especially when many athletes are eager to be part of the program. The program offers substantial benefits like monthly allowances, sports science support, and use of facilities. Holding the eleventh rank in the world, Zii Jia needs to remain in the top 16 by next April to qualify for the Paris Olympics 2024.
The RTG is intended to enhance athletes’ preparations for the Summer Olympics. Lee Zii Jia, 23, had been banned by his national association after resigning from the national team but later reached an agreement to continue his career independently while still representing Malaysia. His decision not to join RTG aligns with his approach to continuing his career as an independent player while upholding his commitment to his national team.
Lee Zii Jia’s achievements
Zii Jia became the men’s singles champion at the Badminton Asia Championships in 2022. In addition, he won the All England Open in 2021, clinching his first BWF Super 1000 title. At the South East Asian (SEA) Games 2019, he won the gold medal in the men’s singles event. In addition, he was a bronze medalist at the BWF World Junior Championships in 2016.
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