KUALA LUMPUR — Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh is set to meet Malaysia’s top men’s singles shuttler, Lee Zii Jia, and his team, Team LZJ, in January to discuss his potential inclusion in the Road to Gold (RTG) programme for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Speaking to the media at her office, Hannah said: “Zii Jia’s team has been waiting for a date from me because I want to meet them to discuss RTG. This, however, will happen in January, not now.”
Despite being eligible for the RTG initiative for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Zii Jia, currently ranked world number six, declined the offer last year. He went on to secure a bronze medal at the Paris Games in August, a significant achievement for the independent shuttler.
Under the RTG programme, RM10 million has been allocated in Budget 2025 to support elite athletes in their Olympic quest.
Hannah’s meeting with Zii Jia could determine whether Team LZJ will commit to the programme for the next Olympic cycle.
Hannah’s push to engage Zii Jia comes after a prior effort, where she urged him to sign a Letter of Commitment (LOC) to formalise his inclusion in the RTG. She had highlighted the importance of athletes committing to updates, cooperation, and regular meetings with programme coordinators as part of the initiative.
The outcome of January’s meeting will be pivotal in shaping Malaysia’s badminton prospects for the LA Games, particularly as Zii Jia continues to navigate his career as an independent athlete. – December 19, 2024