Malaysians have shown their heartwarming support for their national badminton players, especially in the face of challenging times. Lee Zii Jia, a promising new face in Malaysian badminton, recently experienced a setback at the Japan Open on July 26, where he made an early exit after a tough loss to Japan's Kenta Nishimoto.
The match concluded with a score of Kenta Nishimoto (Jpn) defeating Lee Zii Jia (Mas) with a close score of 20-22, 21-17, 21-19.
Photo via Twitter (@SPOTVMY)
In the post-match interview with SPOTV Malaysia, Lee Zii Jia appeared visibly disappointed, taking approximately 10 seconds to respond to questions about his loss. His short response, "Lost again, disappointing match," and his expressed doubts about his progress towards the 2024 Paris Olympics, stating, "I don't see any progress so far," left fans concerned about his morale.
Despite Lee Zii Jia's apparent dejection, Malaysian badminton enthusiasts refused to let him feel disheartened. They recognized that every athlete faces ups and downs in their career and decided to rally behind him with words of encouragement.
Social media platforms buzzed with messages of support for the talented player, urging him not to give up and reminding him of other players like Ginting, Antonsen, and Sen, who had also faced setbacks but ultimately made triumphant comebacks.
Lee Zii Jia's fans showered him with positivity and faith in his abilities, believing that he possesses the determination and talent to overcome obstacles and achieve success in the sport. They reminded him that setbacks are a natural part of any athlete's journey and that what truly matters is the resilience to rise again.
In this heartwarming display of support, Malaysians showcased their unwavering loyalty to their national team and players, recognizing the hard work and dedication put forth by these athletes. The passion for badminton in Malaysia, fueled in part by the legacy of Lee Chong Wei, continues to inspire new generations of players and fans alike.
With the encouragement and backing of his fans, Lee Zii Jia can look forward to future matches with renewed determination, knowing that an entire nation stands behind him.
We know you can do it, LZJ! Don’t give up, we got you!