KUALA LUMPUR – National number one singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia has set his target on the gold medal at the Paris Olympics in July.
In a video uploaded to TeamLZJ, the independent player said that his target was not only to qualify for Paris but to win the badminton gold.
“I don’t want to sound arrogant, but my target is to not only qualify for the Olympics but to win as well.
“I know I have the potential to win (Olympic gold).
“But yeah, I’m still struggling with my performance as well. The reason I didn’t celebrate (qualifying for Paris) is because my main target is to win the Olympics,” said the Kedahan to Shuttlehard.
However, the 26-year-old said qualifying for the Olympics is not easy.
“Like Ng Tze Yong, he was so close to making it, but one injury ruined his chances. To be honest, I feel bad for him.
“I told myself not to put too much pressure or have any negative thoughts because this is my second Olympics.
“I think I’m the second Malaysian badminton player after Datuk Lee Chong Wei to play in more than one Olympic Games.
“I told myself this is a huge achievement even though I have not won anything yet.
“But at least I think this is one of the positive reinforcements that I can give myself to boost my confidence.
“I don’t know if I can play in the next Olympics, and this is the biggest tournament for all athletes,” Zii Jia added.
He hopes to be free of injury and in good physical condition when the Olympics roll around in July. – April 10, 2024