PETALING JAYA: Professional men's singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia will not be part of the Road to Gold programme.
In a statement released on Tuesday (Nov 14), the RTG secretariat said they had met online with Team LZJ on Tuesday and it was concluded that Zii Jia will not proceed with the RTG programme.
Zii Jia is the first athlete to turn down an offer to join RTG at a time when many others are trying to get in.
Those under the RTG enjoy great benefits, including monthly allowances, sport science support and use of facilities.
In the meeting, Team LZJ were represented by Zii Jia's coaches Wong Tat Meng and Liew Daren as well as his sister and manager Lee Zii Yii, who explained that the decision was made after careful consideration and
internal consultation for which Zii Jia will not require the top-up services offered by the RTG.
Team LZJ however, have given their assurance that they will continue to work closely with all the relevant stakeholders such the the Ministry of Youth ad Sports, Olympic Council of Malaysia, National Sports Council and National Sports Institute in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics next year.
Zii Jia is ranked 11th in the world and if he can maintain his position in top 16 by end of April next year, he is assured of a ticket to compete in the Paris Olympic Games.
