Lee Zii Jia could receive a huge helping hand ahead of next year’s rescheduled Tokyo Olympics, should Lee Chong Wei be drafted in to help the promising national shuttler.
The lanky Kedah-born is now touted as a potential outsider for a medal at the Games, now to be held from 21 July-8 August next year, after he dished out an impressive showing to reach the All-England Championships semi-finals.
While the road is still windy for the world number 10 to think about the podium, getting help from a man who has won it four times wouldn’t hurt at all.
“I can’t just walk into the national setup. I will need to have a discussion with the president and national singles coach Hendrawan on how I can play a part.
“It’s good for him that the Olympics is now postponed. He has a year to train hard after doing well at the All-England,” said Chong Wei, who believes Zii Jia would have been the winner in England if he had beaten Viktor Axelsen.
The lanky Dane had no problems brushing aside Taiwan’s Chou Tien-chen to win the last international title on the circuit before all tournaments were suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
If Chong Wei is indeed drafted in to aid Zii Jia, it can be considered a win-win for both men.
The former world number one previously mentioned he was ready to lend a helping hand to the national team if needed.
Zii Jia, at this stage, requires a competitive sparring partner to maintain a high-level intensity training regime, and Chong Wei would be more than able to help out.