Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Malaysian badminton legend Datuk Misbun Sidek says he is willing to help Lee Zii Jia rediscover the form that once made him one of the leading men’s singles players in the world.
But Misbun, who coached Lee during his junior years, believes any assistance can only work if the 28-year-old former All England champion is genuinely ready to seek advice and accept it.
Lee has struggled to reproduce the level of badminton that carried him to the 2021 All England title, and Misbun believes there may be deeper issues preventing his former student from returning to that standard.
Misbun Sidek Willing to Give Lee Zii Jia Advice
Speaking at a local badminton tournament in Malaysia, Misbun made clear that his door remains open if Lee wants guidance.
“If he needs advice, I can give him advice. But does he want it?” Misbun said.
The veteran coach then used a simple analogy to explain why Lee himself must make the first move.
“It is like a horse. You can bring it to the water, but if the horse is not thirsty, it will not drink.”
Misbun believes Lee already knows what it takes to compete at the highest level because he has done it before.
“If he wants it, he will find a way because he has already reached that level before.”
Lee Zii Jia’s Ability Should Not Be Questioned
Despite Lee’s recent difficulties, Misbun stressed that the Malaysian’s talent and past achievements should not be forgotten.
Lee captured the prestigious All England men’s singles title in 2021 and was previously regarded among the world’s leading badminton players.
“He was an All England champion and he was once one of the best players in the world. It is not as though he has never reached that level,” Misbun said.
For Misbun, the more important question is why Lee can no longer consistently reproduce the badminton that once brought him success.
Coaching Team Must Identify What Is Holding Lee Back
Misbun believes Lee’s current coaching and support team needs to determine what is preventing him from returning to his previous level.
“The question is, what is stopping him from reaching that level again? That is what his coaching team has to find out.”
Misbun described Lee as a naturally attacking player, but said he is no longer able to consistently produce his best badminton.
He also noted that, at 28, age is gradually becoming another factor in a sport where physical condition, recovery and consistency become increasingly important.
However, Misbun stopped short of questioning Lee’s underlying ability, pointing instead to the need to identify the cause of his decline.
Misbun Believes Lee Zii Jia Still Wants to Compete
One positive sign, according to Misbun, is that Lee continues to enter tournaments despite his difficult run of results.
That persistence suggests to the former national men’s singles coach that Lee has not lost his desire to compete.
“From what I see, he is a good person and he still wants to play. Otherwise, he would not keep trying to compete in tournaments. I believe he still wants to compete.”
At the same time, Misbun acknowledged how difficult Lee’s current situation has become.
“But right now, even the lower-level tournaments are very difficult for him.”
What Is Preventing Lee Zii Jia From Returning to His Best?
Misbun suggested that the biggest challenge may not simply be technical.
He believes something is preventing Lee from expressing the badminton that previously carried him to major success, but identifying that issue will require the right people around him — and Lee’s willingness to work through it.
“There is something inside him that is stopping him. What is it? Who can help him find that problem?”
When asked whether he would personally become more involved if Lee approached him, Misbun said he could offer advice based on his experience, but did not commit to taking on a broader coaching role.
Misbun-Lee Zii Jia Connection Goes Back to Junior Years
Misbun’s perspective carries added significance because his relationship with Lee goes back to the player’s development years.
He coached Lee when the future Malaysian No. 1 was still a junior and saw first-hand the attacking qualities that would eventually help him reach the top level of international badminton.
Years later, Lee went on to win the 2021 All England title and establish himself among the world’s elite.
That history is why Misbun remains convinced the ability is still there.
Lee Zii Jia Must Decide Whether He Wants Help
Misbun’s message is ultimately straightforward: outside advice can only go so far.
Lee has already demonstrated that he possesses the talent to win major badminton tournaments. The challenge now is discovering what has prevented him from reproducing that level and whether he is prepared to seek help in solving the problem.
Misbun is willing to provide his experience if asked.
The next move, however, belongs to Lee Zii Jia.
