The sporting reacted in solidarity to the news of Malaysian shuttler Lee Zii Jia being prohibited by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) from competing for two years.

World number one Viktor Axelsen led the chorus of criticism against the BAM even before the announcement, after speculations of Lee going to be sanctioned for resigning from the national body.

"Imagine yourself in position where you don't feel happy in your current workplace and you want something to change. You go express your thoughts to your boss and tell him/her you want to quit and find another place to work.

"However your boss is not happy about your decision and since they have the power to ban you from applying jobs in your field, they might go ahead and do so. Just listen how crazy this is. This is year 2022. Is this what we wanted for our sport," he vented.

Former Malaysian men's doubles ace Koo Kien Kiat was also in support for Lee with an Instagram Story post: "Everyone gets to choose his or her path, there is no right or wrong decision nor best decision in life. Every decision you make today will be part of your experience in the future.

"Looking forward to witnessing your future endeavours with the tenacity, positivity, and showmanship that you have shown to us as a true Malaysian."

Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Soh Wooi Yik simply questioned: "Where's the justice?"

Former Malaysian hockey player Maninderjit Singh tweeted: "Without player, there is no institution. Athletes/sports should be bigger than any organisation. The glory of the nation should be first priority. Not ego or else failure will be shown in time."

A post shared by Jim Laugesen (@thelauge)

Minister of Youth and Sports Faizal Azumu said he planned to meet both the BAM and Lee soon.

"This issue is not something anyone wants for the sport. Both parties must find a solution to this crisis. We should not gamble on the future of an athlete and Malaysia's standing on the international stage," he posted on Twitter.