Lee Zii Jia.

(File photo, Associated Press)

[Sports Center/Comprehensive Report] Malaysia’s first brother Lee Zii Jia announced his withdrawal from the national team at the beginning of last year. After the Malaysian Badminton Association made every effort to keep him but failed, they imposed a two-year ban on him, which once caused an uproar in the world badminton world. Recently, the Malaysian media has been rumored that with the announcement of the new "Road to Olympic Gold Medal" subsidy plan, the Malaysian government intends to let him return to the national team.

However, an anonymous official from the Malaysian Badminton Association came forward and said that Lee Zii Jia should apologize first, which made Malaysian fans angry again.

The official, who requested anonymity, told the New Straits Times yesterday: "I don't think (he will return to the national team in the near future), it is still in the hypothetical stage. If he really wants to return to the Malaysian Badminton Academy, he will first I want to apologize, when he walked out, he told people his best moment was when he left BAM, if so, why did he come back?" He added, "This is a great disservice to our sponsors Yonex and BAM. Is Petronas fair?"

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The Malaysian fans below responded by leaving a message: "What do you want to apologize for? It's ridiculous. Leaving the association is not wrong or a crime. When athletes from other countries embark on the path of professional players, other countries have no problem and support them. Only in this The country, some of us have negative thoughts. That's why the country is going backwards." "Has Lee Zii Jia himself said that he wants to go back to the national team?" "There are many other badminton players in Malaysia. Can you just leave him alone? Follow other people?" "Why should officials remain anonymous?"

Bernama pointed out that in 2015, the Malaysian Badminton Association signed a six-year contract worth RM60 million with the Taiwanese brand Victor, ending its 15-year partnership with the Japanese brand Yonex.

Lee Zii Jia also became famous when Victor was the sponsor of the Malaysian Badminton Association.

However, BAM decided to return to Yonex by signing a contract worth RM55 million from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2026.

Li Zijia also negotiated with the Malaysian Badminton Association in early 2022 and put forward three conditions: "I hope to have my own sponsor", "I have my own coaching team and medical team" and "I hope to freely choose the itinerary for the competition". After the negotiation failed, he left the Malaysian Badminton Association and then with Victor. Sign a long-term sponsorship contract.

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