Latest news with #LaiPeiJing
New Straits Times
14-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Pei Jing to spar with France's world championships team
PETALING JAYA: Malaysian shuttlers have long been sought after for their expertise by European counterparts, and now it's Lai Pei Jing's turn to render her service abroad. The mixed doubles specialist, who forms a professional partnership with Jimmy Wong, will travel to France later this month, after the Macau Open, to serve as sparring partner to the French national team for two weeks in their preparations for the World Championships in Paris from July 25-Aug 31. Pei Jing revealed that she was approached by the French coaches when competing at the Luxembourg Open in May. She said she went to seek coach Teo Kok Siang's blessings because this was also a crucial period for the independent shuttlers' camp as teammates such as world No. 6 Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie are also gearing up for the world meet. "During a tournament in Luxembourg, the French coaches approached me and asked if I was interested in sparring with their players," said Pei Jing when met at the launch of the SBE Serla Charity Badminton Championship here today. "I guess it's because they don't have female players who can offer strong competition. "I spoke to my coach about it because the players here also need me. "But he understood my situation — that I need the money — so he gave me his blessing to go. "This is my first time serving as a sparring partner for another country, but my heart remains with the Malaysian players," she added. The French will be counting on their star players — Alex Lanier in the men's singles, the Popov brothers, Toma Junior and Christo, in the men's doubles, and Thom Gicquel–Delphine Delrue in the mixed doubles — in their bid for a historic medal at the world meet. Pei Jing herself had managed nine appearances at the World Championships, three with Tan Aik Quan and six with Tan Kian Meng, and came closest to winning a medal in 2022 when they reached the quarter-finals. Pei Jing lent her support to the SBE Serla Charity Badminton Championship acknowledging the backing she had previously received from some of its sponsors. The tournament, set for this Sunday at Stadium Juara, aims to raise funds for Persatuan Memperbaiki Akhlak Che Tan Khor and Persatuan Amal & Kebajikan Amal Zhong Hua in Tanjong Malim. Apart from cash donations, sponsors such as SpectacleX and Bergamot are also contributing spectacles and medical supplies for NGOs in need.
Hype Malaysia
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Hype Malaysia
Fans Voice Concerns For Lee Zii Jia's Mental Health Following Unsettling Instagram Post
Last month, national shuttler Lee Zii Jia (李梓嘉) declined the offer to join the Road to Gold (RTG) programme in preparation for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (LA2028). According to his team, the athlete is still recovering from injuries sustained during the World Tour Finals in December and believes that his peers are more deserving of the opportunity at this time. Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh confirmed the news, but assured that the door remains open should the badminton player reconsider. It's been a few weeks since the news broke, and fans have been wondering how he's been coping. Many expressed concern after the young star posted a series of troubling images on his Instagram, which appeared to hint at his current mental health struggles. Here's what happened: Yesterday (Thursday, 3rd July), Lee Zii Jia shared a carousel of images on his Instagram, featuring drawings that appeared to depict struggles with mental health, particularly depression. The unsettling post was shared without a caption, and the athlete also changed his profile photo to black, further fuelling concern among fans. Naturally, many took to the comments section to express their support, offering words of comfort to the 27-year-old. Some, fearing the worst, urged the young star not to act rashly and reminded him that things can and will get better. Several fellow athletes also showed their support, including Lai Pei Jing, Yap Roy King, and Goh Jin Wei, who reminded Zii Jia that he doesn't have to face his hardships alone. Fans also urged Zii Jia's celebrity friends to check in on him personally, simply to ensure he is safe and well. After browsing through some of their social media pages, it was found that Lai Pei Jing recently posted about spending time with the Kedah-born badminton player and their friends at what appears to be a Disney-themed garden in Singapore. However, it remains unclear when the gathering actually took place. At the time of writing, neither Lee Zii Jia nor his team has issued any updates regarding his current condition. We sincerely hope that his friends and family are by his side during this difficult time and that he receives the support he needs to recover and regain his strength. Sources: Instagram, TheStar
