The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have squashed any rumour of Lee Zii Jia leaving the national body after several news reports emerged of the speculation.
“I have just spoken to Lee, he is completely unaware of the recent rumours of him quitting the BAM. His determination and vision remains the same as the leading men’s singles of the country. He is 100 percent focused on Paris 2024,” said BAM secretary-general Kenny Goh in a statement.
The sudden statement came after speculations emerged of Lee leaving the national body for a lucrative offer as an independent player.
National coaching director Wong Choong Hann, when asked earlier on the issue, also affirmed that the All-England champion was firmly under BAM’s care and that there were never any discussions by both parties on this issue.
The national body will conduct a meeting with all the national shuttlers after the New Year, following a coaching reshuffle which saw Wong take charge of the men’s singles department.
Indonesian Rexy Mainaky, who started work earlier this month as deputy coaching director, will head the doubles unit.
Lee will once again lead the line for the national contingent in a big 2022 season with several major events on the cards.
Besides aiming to conquer more tournaments on the World Tour, Lee is also expected to contend for a podium finish at the Asian and Commonwealth Games next year.
The world number seven will certainly be gunning to return with a bang after the final chapter of his 2021 season was derailed due to several injury-related withdrawals.
