Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s professional men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia is expected to confirm within one week whether he will accept the call-up to represent Malaysia at the upcoming Thomas Cup Finals, scheduled from April 24 to May 3 in Horsens, Denmark.
The independent badminton star was seen at the Akademi Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara earlier today, accompanied by his coach Daren Liew. The pair held a closed-door meeting lasting approximately 20 minutes with BAM Performance Committee chairman Lee Chong Wei and national singles head coach Kenneth Jonassen.
When approached by reporters after the discussion, Lee Zii Jia declined to comment. However, Lee Chong Wei later described the meeting as positive and constructive.
“Everything went smoothly. We discussed his condition and preparations. He will give us his answer within a week,” said Lee Chong Wei.
Recovery Status a Key Factor
According to BAM officials, Lee Zii Jia admitted that his physical recovery has not yet reached full match fitness. Ongoing injury concerns forced him to withdraw from next week’s German Open, raising questions about his readiness for high-intensity team competition.
Despite this, the Badminton Association of Malaysia has expressed full support for his potential inclusion.
“The Thomas Cup team always welcomes him. His experience in previous editions of the tournament is valuable. Having him alongside Aaron Chia, Soh Wooi Yik, and Leong Jun Hao would strengthen the squad tremendously,” Lee Chong Wei added.
If he agrees to compete, Lee Zii Jia is likely to serve as Malaysia’s third men’s singles option. Currently, he ranks fourth among Malaysian men’s singles players, behind Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh, and fellow independent player Aidil Sholeh.
The final team list submission deadline to the Badminton World Federation (BWF) is set for April.
Goh Sze Fei–Nur Izzuddin Confirm Participation
In more encouraging badminton news for Malaysia, professional men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani have officially confirmed their participation in the Thomas Cup campaign.
National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky confirmed the update following a national training session at the Akademi Badminton Malaysia.
“Yes, they have given their confirmation. In fact, their commitment could extend all the way to the 2026 Asian Games,” Rexy revealed.
Currently, Sze Fei and Izzuddin are training with the national squad once or twice weekly as part of preliminary preparations before entering full centralised camp training.
Malaysia Targets Historic Thomas Cup Breakthrough
Malaysia has set an ambitious goal of ending its 34-year wait for the prestigious Thomas Cup title. The coaching panel is now carefully assessing combinations to field the strongest possible lineup.
Based on current form, Aaron Chia–Soh Wooi Yik and Sze Fei–Izzuddin are leading contenders for the top doubles slots.
However, Rexy Mainaky cautioned that internal competition remains open.
“If Arif Junaidi–Roy King suddenly produce something extraordinary, then the situation changes,” he said.
As the countdown continues, Malaysian badminton fans now await Lee Zii Jia’s final decision — one that could significantly influence the team’s campaign in Denmark.
Stay tuned for more badminton news and Thomas Cup updates.
