2025-12-02,KUALA LUMPUR

Independent shuttler Lee Zii Jia is still being considered for next year's Thomas Cup in Horsens, Denmark, despite having played irregularly this season.

Former world No. 1 Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei, who chairs the BA of Malaysia's (BAM) performance committee, confirmed this today.

Zii Jia, the former world No. 2, is expected to be invited — along with other independent shuttlers — to join the national team's centralised training programme before the tournament from April 24-May 3.

The shuttler had ended his season early after struggling with ankle and lower back issues, having played only five tournaments this year.

Chong Wei said BAM will cast a wider net for the prestigious Thomas Cup, especially to strengthen the men's singles department.

"We will invite independent players into the national preparation camp for the Thomas Cup," said the three-time Olympic medallist.

"We can't forget about Zii Jia. How he recovers, we don't know because we have no feedback yet. We hope he can recover well."

BAM is planning an early push towards the Thomas Cup, including the possibility of sending the squad for a training camp in Denmark ahead of the Finals.

National singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen and doubles chief Rexy Mainaky are now finalising the structure of the programme.

Chong Wei admitted that Malaysia's singles line-up remains fragile, noting that the four players currently in contention — Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh, Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin, and Eogene Ewe — are still battling for consistency.

Their SEA Games performances in Thailand this week are expected to influence selection discussions.

"The singles department is a bit weak now, but we will send what we have," he said.

"We still don't know how Jun Hao, Justin, Aidil, and Eogene will perform at the SEA Games. There are six months to go, so we hope the coaches can prepare the players well."

He also urged the young squad to embrace the responsibility of representing Malaysia at the SEA Games, especially with regional heavyweights Indonesia and Thailand fielding strong teams.

"Don't forget they are wearing the national colours," he said.

"They are playing for the whole country. I hope they can focus and go all out."

The national badminton squad will depart for the Thailand SEA Games on Friday, with the team competition beginning on Sunday.