BAM ready to support Lee Zii Jia after worrying Instagram posts
Zii Jia raised concern among fans five days ago after uploading cryptic pictures, including one of a stitched-up figure holding a bloodstained needle — prompting speculation about the 27-year-old's mental well-being.
While the National Sports Council (NSC) said they had contacted Team LZJ and found no signs of mental or personal issues, BAM secretary-general Kenny Goh told English daily The Star that the national body remained open to offering assistance.
'As the badminton governing body in Malaysia, we are concerned about all players,' Kenny was quoted as saying today at the Akademi Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara.
'We know that many have contacted Zii Jia to ask about his posts, including the NSC. If Zii Jia needs help and support, we are willing to help him — if we have the expertise.'
Zii Jia has endured a tough year, competing only in the Orleans Masters and All-England in March after suffering an ankle injury last December.
He has also withdrawn from the upcoming Japan Open from July 15-20, with no clear timeline for his return to competitive action.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Jun Hao ready to put sparring experience in Denmark to good use at worlds
National men's singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao in action against Ireland's Nhat Nguyen in the first round of Malaysian Masters at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil on Wednesday. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star PETALING JAYA: Not much may be expected from men's singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao in his World Championships debut in Paris next week, but he could well turn out to be one of Malaysia's dark horses. Jun Hao is currently in Denmark with women's singles player K. Letshanaa and fellow men's singles shuttler Justin Hoh, sharpening their game by training with several Danish top players ahead of the major tournament. For Jun Hao, there is little he intends to change with only five days of preparation left. What matters most to him now is putting into play what he has worked on once he steps on court in Paris. 'Since it's only a few days, I don't think there is much more that can be added. The key is to make the most of this sparring experience against stronger and top players. 'I just want to bring out everything I've prepared over the past few weeks on match day and hopefully get a good result,' said Jun Hao. Based on the draw, Jun Hao could go as far as the quarter-finals if he plays to his best form, with him expecting to clear his opening round against Switzerland's Tobias Kunzi. Waiting in the second round could be world No. 14 Kenta Nishimoto of Japan. Although Nishimoto is ranked higher than Jun Hao, who sits at No. 25, the Kuala Lumpur-born shuttler has the upper hand in their head-to-head with three wins from five meetings. Most recently, Jun Hao stunned Nishimoto in the first round of the China Open last month. A tougher test awaits in the third round in the form of Taiwan's world No. 6 Chou Tien-chen. Still, Jun Hao holds a balanced record against him, having beaten the Taiwanese once in two previous meetings, the win coming at the Indonesian Open last year. The quarter-finals could throw up several tough opponents including Indonesia's Anthony Ginting. However, Anthony only recently returned to action after a six-month layoff with a shoulder injury. Should Jun Hao run into India's H.S. Prannoy, their record also stands evenly at 1-1. Their last encounter came three years ago during the Thomas Cup in Bangkok. The biggest hurdle though, could be second seed Anders Antonsen. The Dane, who has been in fine form, got the better of Jun Hao in last year's Thomas Cup campaign in Chengdu. But if Jun Hao can spring a surprise and make the semi-finals, it will already be a proud achievement as it guarantees him at least a bronze medal. It would also be a fitting parallel to Datuk Lee Chong Wei's debut at the 2005 World Championships in Anaheim, the United States, when he returned home with a bronze medal.
Malay Mail
5 hours ago
- Malay Mail
SIC stresses priority is on MotoGP future in Malaysia, rules out F1 comeback for now
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 — Sepang International Circuit (SIC) has reaffirmed that its current focus is on securing the continuation of the MotoGP Malaysia beyond 2026, and not on the potential return of Formula 1. In a statement today, SIC clarified that its Chief Executive Officer Azhan Shafrima Hanif's recent remarks referred specifically to the renewal of MotoGP Malaysia contract, following some confusion arising from media reports. 'Formula 1 remains a significant part of our history, regaining its hosting rights has proven to be both complex and costly. 'The key priority is safeguarding MotoGP, which continues to resonate strongly with Malaysian fans and remains more accessible from both a spectator and organisational standpoint,' the statement read. For the record Malaysia's current contract to host MotoGP runs until 2026. Meanwhile, in the same statement SIC said they remain committed to working closely with the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS), Dorna Sports S.L and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the continuation of the prestigious event, which is also the longest-running international sporting event in the country. 'SIC will continue to provide comprehensive data and insights on the economic, tourism and developmental impact to support informed decision-making on MotoGP's future in Malaysia. 'We value the passion shown by the public and stakeholders on this matter and reaffirm our commitment to securing the future of MotoGP in Malaysia for the benefit of fans, partners and the nation,' it said. — Bernama
New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Letshanaa's birthday wish? Strong debut at Paris World C'ships
KUALA LUMPUR: K. Letshanaa is gearing up for her World Championships debut by sparring with some of Europe's finest in Copenhagen. The world No. 40 is part of a special training camp arranged by Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen. She is joined by men's singles players Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh as they prepare for the Paris showpiece, which begins on Aug 25. Letshanaa, who turned 21 on Tuesday, enjoyed a birthday selfie with Denmark's world No. 26 Mia Blichfeldt, who was also celebrating on the same day. "Denmark has four or five players in the top 50, so for me this will be a challenging and valuable experience," she said in a video posted by BAM on Wednesday. Other Danish women's singles players in the top 50 include world No. 19 Line Kjaersfeldt, No. 28 Line Christophersen and No. 32 Julie Jakobsen. Letshanaa has enjoyed a steady season with quarter-final runs at the Taiwan Open in May and the US Open in June. But she is keeping her expectations modest ahead of her maiden Worlds outing. "This is my first World Championships. I'm happy and excited, but I just want to give my best," she said. Independent shuttler Goh Jin Wei will also represent Malaysia in the women's singles. The nation has never won a women's singles medal at the World Championships.
