Since his rise to fame, national shuttler Lee Zii Jia (李梓嘉) has been at odds with most over his decision to strike out on his own. He did smooth some feathers when he got a new coach, but recent news proves his independent streak is still continuing.
In early November, the government-supported initiative, Road To Gold (RTG) committee announced that Zii Jia had yet to sign with them and gave him an ultimatum for doing so. Well, a day after the deadline, it was announced that Lee Zii Jia had given his answer and decided against signing with the programme.
According to the RTG secretariat, Lee Zii Jia and his team have confirmed that the athlete will not be joining the RTG programme after months of sitting on a decision. Said decision was reportedly relayed to them via an online meeting with Team Lee Zii Jia.
Represented by Zii Jia’s coaches, Wong Tat Meng and Liew Daren, as well as his sister and manager, Lee Zii Yii, the team claimed that, after much careful consideration and internal consultation, it was decided that Zii Jia would not need RTG’s services in helping him achieve his medal goal for the 2024 Olympics. However, they have also reassured that they will still be working closely with all parties in the lead-up to the Olympics.
Speaking to FMT, youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh later added that the decision to join the RTG initiative was left up to the athletes themselves. “I cannot force an athlete who doesn’t want to accept or who has access to other facilities,” she explained. “I believe it is up to the athletes themselves to decide whether or not they want or need additional support from RTG.”
For those not in the know, the RTG initiative is meant to provide additional support for athletes with a focus on the 2024 Olympics. This includes offering them monthly allowances, sports science support and facility usage.
Lee Zii Jia is currently the only athlete to have turned down joining the initiative. However, while there may be some outcry at his choice, most will likely sit back to watch how the 25-year-old will play out his decision. For now, we wish him all the best.
Sources: China Press, Free Malaysia Today, The Star
