KUALA LUMPUR – Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria has called for unity and unwavering support for the national badminton team just days before the Thomas and Uber Cup in Chengdu this Saturday.
He urged the importance of setting aside any debates over players’ patriotism and rallying behind the team amid disruptions to their preparations, including the cancellation of training camps abroad and injury concerns for men’s singles player Ng Tze Yong.
Additionally, controversy arose surrounding Lee Zii Jia’s request for compensation from BAM for image rights to compete in the Thomas Cup.
Despite these controversies, Norza remains resolute in Malaysia’s quest to reclaim the Thomas Cup, last won in 1992.
“We have the right ingredients, and I believe we need to set aside all controversies for the next week or two. As Malaysians, we need to unite and throw our full support behind them, and give them the strength that they need.
“There should be no more questions about Lee Zii Jia’s patriotism. I believe if these players are Malaysian, they want to represent this country and prove themselves to us. Ultimately, it comes down to fate and how they want to face the challenges in Chengdu.
“What sets us apart from other countries is our fighting spirit and our love for our flag. Our flag symbolises our dignity, and the extent to which you defend it is akin to going to war… how badly you want to win and how much you are willing to sacrifice.
“The answer lies within the player,” said Norza.
In this edition of the Thomas Cup, Malaysia have been drawn into Group D alongside Denmark, Hong Kong and Algeria, while for the Uber Cup, they will compete against Thailand, Chinese Taipei and Australia.
During the Malaysia Masters press conference today, Norza expressed his hopes not only for Malaysian representatives to qualify for the championship final but also to reclaim the title, a feat last achieved by Datuk Lee Chong Wei in 2016.
Last year’s edition saw Malaysia having two representatives in the finals through the women’s doubles pair, Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, and the men’s doubles pair, Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun, both of whom fell at the final hurdle.
“Although this is a post-Olympic qualifying tournament, many top players will participate because it is a competitive platform for them to prepare for the upcoming Olympics and secure good seedings in Paris.
“Last year we had two representatives in the final stage, so I hope our players will rise to the occasion and meet the expectations of badminton fans,” Norza added. – April 22, 2024