Lee Zii Jia and Goh Jin Wei could be part of Malaysia’s contingent at the upcoming Asia Team Championships (February 15-20) after the duo were cleared to compete in all international events with immediate effect.

The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), in a statement, made the decision to release the players from their respective contracts with the national association according to mutually agreed terms and conditions.

“Both players will be eligible to register for international tournaments with immediate effect,” read the BAM statement.

Goh, who met Prime Minister Ismail Sabri along with BAM president Norza Zakaria earlier this week, was grateful to be allowed to revive her career that has stagnated due to health issues.

“I will continue to do my best to promote Malaysian badminton at the international level. We fight together as Malaysians!” she said.

Goh had last September retired from the sport due to a stomach ailment, but made the decision to return as her health progressively improved.

Lee and Goh’s release came at a timely manner as the BAM prepared to submit their entry list for the championships by the end of this month.

Plenty will hinge on this Asian team meet, with it being the first major event for all the top shuttlers to begin their season, while also serving as the qualifier for the Thomas & Uber Cup Finals in Bangkok later this year.

Indonesia, who beat Malaysia to the title in 2020, will return as defending champions in the men’s category, while Japan will also arrive in Kuala Lumpur seeking third consecutive women’s title.

The biennial affair scheduled to take place at the Setia City Convention Centre in Shah Alam will also see participation from South Korea, India, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Singapore and Kazakhstan.

This means fans will be able to witness world class participation from the likes of Kento Momota, Anthony Ginting, Loh Kean Yew, P.V. Sindhu and Ratchanok Intanon among many others.

Only China have not entered as they are believed to be still cautious of the COVID-19 situation.