KUALA LUMPUR: Cager Lee Jia Jun (pic) always stays by the mantra of never giving up just like his idol Kobe Bryant.
And Jia Jun, who is set to captain the national men’s 3x3 team in the Asian Games in Hangzhou from Sept 23-Oct 8, is ready to battle the odds to deliver a positive result.
The 24-year-old, who grew up idolising American great Bryant, knows he and his teammates face a tough task against the best teams in Asia but is undaunted by the challenge.
“Bryant has always been my idol,” said Jia Jun, who has a tattoo of the deceased Los Angeles Lakers’ great’s name on his right inner forearm.
“And one of his most important messages was never give up in the game and always keep your focus whether you are winning or losing.
“I always remember his message and it’s important especially when there are tough challenges coming up like the Asiad.”
Jia Jun will be joined in the Games by De Wee Yiang, Lim Wan Seong and Lai Kok Weng. All four will be making their debut.
Jia Jun, who plays for professional club Rising Star from Selangor, is out to make the most of the opportunity.
“I’m very excited to play in the Asiad for the first time,” said Jia Jun.
“Not everyone gets a chance to play. We have been working very hard and we will give everything to get a good result.
“Personally, my aim is to try to at least reach the quarter finals.”
The 3x3 event was held for the first time in the 2018 Asiad in Jakarta where Malaysia finished 13th among 22 teams.
Jia Jun was unveiled along with his teammates during a special ceremony to announce the team and the flag handing-over for the Games at the Grand Millenium Hotel in Bukit Bintang yesterday.
The women’s 3x3 team will comprise Foo Suet Ying, Sammi Tan and sisters Tan Yin Jie and Tan Sin Jie.
