Malaysian badminton star Lee Zii Jia agrees deal to have 2-year ban lifted after ‘heart to heart’ with game’s bosses
- Suspension was imposed last week by Badminton Association of Malaysia after world No 7 quit the national team
- In heartfelt Instagram post, the player said he was happy to have resolved the issue after a meeting with BAM president Norza Zakaria
Malaysian badminton ace Lee Zii Jia and officials have agreed a deal to lift a ban imposed on the world No 7 last week after he quit the national team.
Lee announced the move on his Instagram page on Tuesday, and said he had a “heart-to-heart meeting” with Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Norza Zakaria.
The 23-year-old cut ties with Malaysia’s badminton association this month to play as an independent, but the body hit back by prohibiting the 23-year-old from competing in tournaments for two years.
The ban triggered fury, with top international players condemning a move that could have prematurely ended the career of Malaysia’s best hope to win the country’s first Olympic gold.
“I am pleased to have a private heart-to-heart meeting with BAM President Tan Sri Norza Zakaria together with my parents,” he wrote on Instagram. “I am happy that we are now resolving this issue with BAM after receiving Tan Sri’s blessings to become a professional player.
“My past and future achievements will always be the product of Tan Sri Norza, BAM and Malaysia. I am forever thankful that Tan Sri guided, nurtured and gave me the opportunity to serve the country that I love. At the moment, I will commit myself for the Asia Team Championships. I hope this conclusion unites us as Malaysians and Badminton Fans.
“Please continue to support BAM and also the country’s professional players who are also nurtured by BAM because at the end of the day we are one.”