Lee Zii Jia, the explosive Malaysian badminton player, has captured the world’s attention with his aggressive play and composed demeanor on the court. As a leading contender for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, let’s dive into the life, career, and achievements of this talented athlete.
Lee Zii Jia Early Life & Education:
Born on March 29, 1998, in Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia, Lee Zii Jia comes from a family of teachers and former basketball players. Inspired by his idol, Lee Chong Wei, he started playing badminton at the age of 6, eventually joining the Bukit Jalil Sports School at 12. Under coaches like Hendrawan and Misbun Sidek, he completed his secondary education and graduated in 2016.
Lee Zii Jia Personal Life:
At 25, Lee Zii Jia is single, focusing wholeheartedly on his badminton career and Olympic aspirations. He maintains a close bond with his family and friends, often sharing glimpses of them on his social media accounts. A basketball enthusiast, he supports the Los Angeles Lakers and admires LeBron James. Beyond sports, Lee enjoys music, especially hip-hop and rap, and loves exploring different cultures and cuisines.
Lee Zii Jia Career Highlights:
Lee Zii Jia’s professional badminton journey kicked off in 2016, with notable wins at the 2017 Polish International and the 2017 Malaysia International Series. His breakthrough came in 2019 at the All England Open, reaching the semifinals. In 2021, he made history by winning the All England Open, becoming the first Malaysian men’s singles player to achieve this since Lee Chong Wei in 2017. The pinnacle of his career came in 2022 when he became the men’s singles Asian champion.
Lee Zii Jia Net Worth:
With an estimated net worth of $4 million, Lee Zii Jia earns through prize money, endorsements, and sponsorships. Yonex and 100Plus, a Malaysian isotonic drink brand, are among his sponsors.
Lee Zii Jia Social Media Presence:
For updates on Lee Zii Jia’s journey, follow him on Instagram (@leeziijia) and Twitter (@LeeZiiJia).
FAQs:
Q: When did Lee Zii Jia start playing badminton? A: Lee Zii Jia started playing badminton at the age of 6.
Q: Who is Lee Zii Jia’s sporting idol? A: Lee Zii Jia’s idol is Lee Chong Wei, a former world No. 1 badminton player.
Q: What is Lee Zii Jia’s career-high ranking in the world? A: Lee Zii Jia reached a career-high ranking of No. 2 globally on October 25, 2022.
Q: What brands sponsor Lee Zii Jia? A: Lee Zii Jia is sponsored by Yonex and 100Plus, a Malaysian isotonic drink brand.
Q: Has Lee Zii Jia won any Olympic medals? A: Lee Zii Jia is aiming for Olympic glory in the 2024 Paris Games; as of now, he hasn’t won any Olympic medals.