World No. 7 badminton player Lee Zii Jia (李梓嘉) has hit a roadblock in his career. Last Friday (21st January), the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) placed a ban on Zii Jia and former national player Goh Jin Wei. The duo are currently forbidden from registering for international tournaments under Malaysia for two years.
The news has caused a stir among badminton fans everywhere, both locally and globally. Some are sticking up for Zii Jia and Jin Wei, others are claiming BAM is in the right. Fellow shuttlers from Malaysia and other countries too have said their piece. However, Zii Jia recently stated he is considering his next options.
Zii Jia’s resignation from BAM came as a surprise last week. Following the resignation, there were plenty of discussion from various parties about what should happen next. While these discussions revolved around Zii Jia, the 23-year-old himself wanted to wait for BAM’s official decision on Friday. Needless to say, it left him sorely disappointed.
“This is a hard time for me,” Zii Jia was quoted as saying. “I know there are many who are supporting me and I’m grateful, but I need some time to clear my mind.” The shuttler explained he was currently thinking through his plans and finding clarity for his future. “I hope you do understand,” he stated. “When I’m ready, I will surely let everyone know of my next move.”
BAM’s ban has not only destroyed his future plans, it has also thrown a wrench in his professional career. Zii Jia had hoped to compete in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, a stage which would have given him the opportunity to climb to greater heights. Unfortunately, the ban has stopped that, and prevented him from entering other international tournaments as well.
That’s not to say nothing can be done about it. Zii Jia, if he continues as an independent player, he can opt to move his training base out of Malaysia. If he stays in another country for a year, the Badminton World Federation will allow him to enter competitions as a member association of the country. For a quicker solution, Zii Jia could potentially take BAM to court to dispute their decision.
While Zii Jia is considering his options, others have been busy. A few petitions have been started for BAM to overturn their ban. International players have been speaking out, hoping to spark a change in the system. Their voices have definitely made a difference as Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu is planning to submit a proposal to lift the ban.
Only God knows what future is in store for Zii Jia. Regardless of what happens, we know he will continue to train and hopefully, one day, carry Malaysia’s flag on court again.
Sources: Badminton Planet, The Star, New Straits Times
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