BADMINTON
Zii Jia won't train at BAM before World Championships due to sponsorship conflict
Lee Zii Jia will not train at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) as part of the World Championships warm-up after coach Wong Tat Meng rejected the invite due to a sponsorship conflict.
“The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) had informed us that professional shuttlers cannot sport any other apparel brand apart from their sponsor [Yonex], should the players intend to train at the national academy on Wednesday.
“I am shocked with this ruling as it was only enforced during the preparations to the World Championships. The sponsorship conflict is not just subjected to the BAM, but our team as well including Zii Jia, the fitness and physio team.
“Due to this, we are not able to accept the training invite to ABM before leaving to Denmark. When the BAM enforced this ruling before a big tournament, I personally felt bullied.
“I hope this matter can be resolved in the future, as it will be a waste if the relationship between BAM and the professional shuttlers cannot continue,” said Wong.
Lee also quipped in to defend himself, saying “Do not accuse me of being big-headed for not attending training.”
For the record, the 2021 All-England champion is sponsored by sports equipment company Victor.
Wong, meanwhile, clarified he won’t drastically alter Lee’s training regime ahead of the world meet in Copenhagen, Denmark next Monday.
“His training plan is still new and he is still getting used to it. He is not seeded this time, so hopefully he will be able to be more relaxed and enjoy the tournament.”
Lee, ranked 13th in the world, faces Jonatan Christie in his opening match.