Badminton

Captaincy could help struggling Zii Jia, says Chong Wei

KUALA LUMPUR: Earning the captaincy for Malaysia at the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships (BAMTC) in Dubai could just be the tonic Lee Zii Jia needs right now.

The world No 4 was named team captain on Monday, ahead of Malaysia's opening Group B tie against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) which will be played today.

Former world No 1 Datuk Lee Chong Wei, having skippered the national team on numerous occasions, believes the captain's armband could help Zii Jia find his way back to his best.

"The captain's role is not an easy one, I know because as the most senior player at that time, I was always called to lead the team.

"There is a lot of pressure because you want to carry your teammates. And as the men's singles player, you want to go out there and win that first point for your team.

"This could just be what Zii Jia needs right now.

"I know he's struggled (for form) early this season and he's involved in a possible legal battle with his former coach (Indra Wijaya). He has made it clear that he can't be responding to every single comment out there, which I understand.

"I hope he can manage it (team captain responsibilities) well," said Chong Wei, who hung up his racquet in 2019 after battling nose cancer.

Chong Wei, who was recently appointed as one of the seven former internationals on the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) technical advisory panel, reiterated that he wasn't trying to put Zii Jia under any undue stress.

Instead, his intention is to share his experience in hopes of motivating the newer generation of players.

"Times have changed, as a former player who gave his all for this country, I just want to share my experience.

"As athletes, our duty is to go out there and give our best every single time. I wish our Malaysian team in Dubai all the best," added Chong Wei, who also sits on the National Sports Council (NSC) board of directors.

Malaysia, will face Kazakhstan tomorrow before taking on India on Wednesday. Only the top two teams from each group will qualify for the knockout stage.

Since BAMTC's inception in 2017, Malaysia have never gone past the quarter-finals. The tournament also serves as a qualifier for the Sudirman Cup in May.

Most Popular
Related Article
Says Stories