While BAM vents at Zii Jia's exit, world No 1 shuttler shows support

World number one shuttler Viktor Axelsen has expressed support for Lee Zii Jia, who resigned from the Badminton Association of Malaysia.

Lee, who defeated Axelsen to emerge as the All England Open men's singles champion in a nail-biting encounter last year, had indicated that he plans to proceed with his career independently.

"If a player (in this case LZJ) feels it's best for him to follow another path where he is more independent as a player, then that is what he should do IMO. It's his career and his life, after all.

"Only he himself knows what's best right now, and I'm looking forward to hopefully having many exciting encounters against LZJ on court in the future. All the best," Axelsen said in a series of Twitter posts.

BAM president Norza Zakaria had said that the association tried to convince Lee not to leave but to no avail.

Norza has likened Lee's situation to funding a sibling's studies to help the family only to see him leaving.

"Everyone, including our stakeholders, chipped in to have a cash flow to make this happen.

"It's akin to siblings chipping in to help fund another sibling's studies. They all do this hoping that this sibling would one day contribute back to the family.

"But then comes a day when this sibling tells us that he wants to go his own way. So what can we do?" The Star quoted Norza.

Norza indicated that BAM deputy president Jahaberdeen Mohd Yunoos would decide any possible sanction against Lee.

The BAM has previously imposed a ban on badminton players who quit the association from competitions.

Norza said more details are expected on Friday.

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