King congratulates Zii Jia on winning All England title

di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin AlMustafa Billah Shah has extended his heartiest congratulations to Lee Zii Jia on winning the All England title on Sunday.

The King also expressed his joy and pride as the outstanding victory has raised Malaysia’s name on the global stage and delighted all Malaysians.

He also hoped that the victory would serve as an inspiration to the World No. 10 to train harder towards excellence in future.

“His Majesty wishes Lee Zii Jia all the best. May he be blessed with continued success and carry on to make the country proud on the world stage.

“His Majesty hopes that his achievement will also be a source of inspiration to all Malaysians to work hard and strive to achieve success in their respective fields,” according to a statement posted on Istana Negara’s Facebook yesterday.

Al-Sultan Abdullah also expressed his appreciation to BAM under the leadership of Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria as well as the coaching staff for the success.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin hopes that Zii Jia’s breakthrough win at the All England will spur him to greater heights.

Muhyiddin congratulated Zii Jia for his victory, the BAM and coaches for their contributions.

Zii Jia defeated Dane Viktor Axelsen in a nail-biting match in Birmingham on Sunday.

“Malaysian sports fans are delighted with Zii Jia's victory at the All England,” said Muhyiddin on social media.

“Beating the World No 2 (Axelsen) means a lot to this young 23-year-old player.

“It will motivate him, especially after last year’s semi-final defeat to the same player.

“The fact that Axelson was the defending champion makes it a sweeter achievement.

“Zii Jia, use this win to motivate yourself... work harder and achieve more in the future.

“Congratulations, you are a national hero.”

Meanwhile, Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said he was proud of not only Zii Jia but also Pearly TanM. Thinaah (women’s doubles) and Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying (mixed doubles), who reached the quarter-finals and semi-finals in their events in Birmingham.

“All of our players displayed solid performances.

“I am proud of Zii Jia as well as the fighting spirit of Pearly-Thinaah and Peng Soon-Liu Ying, who did their best to fly the ‘Jalur Gemilang’ at the All England,” said Reezal.

“We must continue fighting hard in our next mission. We must never give up.”

Meanwhile, BAM president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria hopes that Zii Jia, who has a long career ahead of him, will remain focused on developing as a player.

“We are very happy and proud of his well-deserved triumph.

“This achievement has undoubtedly brought delight to all Malaysians,” said Norza.

“My advice to him is to always stay humble and grounded.

“It is a marathon, not a sprint.”