Self-funded Team LZJ: Celebrate first, discussion on financial rewards, support later - Hannah Yeoh

SHAH ALAM - Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh says she will adress the issue of financial rewards and support for men’s singles professional player Lee Zii Jia in the Paris 2024 Olympics, at a later date.

In her Instagram post, Yeoh said the current focus was on celebrating Zii Jia's achievement as the bronze medallist at the Olympics.

"Celebrating @leeziijia our second bronze medallist for Paris 2024.

"Discussion on being with the association vs being independent can wait for another day.

"For now, let's just celebrate this win. Celebrate his success and well done to his coach Wong Tat Meng for helping Zii Jia make it this far," she wrote in her post with a photo of her posing with Zii Jia.

Zii Jia's journey to the podium has been marked by perseverance and resilience.

His transition from being associated with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to becoming an independent player has been a subject of much debate.

Despite the challenges, his tenacity has led him to an Olympic bronze, a testament to his dedication and skill.

"Yes, there's been history with @ba_malaysia, yes, he was briefly in the Road to Gold (RTG) programme and then he decided otherwise and now he is fully independent.

"But can we as a nation just pause for now and celebrate the fact that this young man has come a long way, picked himself up and now made it to the Olympics podium.

"I will leave all the details of financial rewards and financial support to another day. For now, go out there and celebrate this win @leeziijia. Congratulations and well done," Yeoh wrote.

Social media users have since raised concerns about the issue of financial rewards and support.

The badminton hero's decision to go independent in January 2022, leaving BAM, stirred discussions within the sports community.

While the move was initially met with skepticism, his recent achievement has silenced many critics and highlighted the potential benefits of his independent path.

In an interview, online news portal Scoop reported that Zii Jia and his squad were self-funded for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

His manager and sister, Lee Zii Yii said despite not receiving the additional accreditation cards, all members of Team LZJ would still accompany the nation’s top-ranked player to Paris, with all expenses being self-funded.

"We are bearing all expenses for the entire team ourselves," said Zii Yii told Scoop.

The report also revealed that Zii Jia brought his entire team to assist him in preparing for the Olympics.

Previously, Zii Jia sought assistance from Chef de Mission Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin to obtain two additional accreditation cards for his physiotherapist and personal sparring partner to join him in Paris.

However, according to a statement released by the Olympic Council of Malaysia, none of the Team LZJ staff were listed among the officials named by the governing body.