Recently, Malaysian badminton star Lee Zii Jia’s (LZJ) decision to skip the Commonwealth Games (CWG) to focus on the BWF World Championships instead drew mixed reactions.
However, in the BWF World Championships, Lee Zii Jia fell short and suffered a shock third-round exit after he lost to China’s Zhao Jun Peng.
Ever since his recent defeat, pundits have weighed in on his performance with some commenting that he shouldn’t have skipped out on the Commonwealth Games, only to lose.
Recently, sports presenters from Astro Arena found themselves under fire after they had made comments about Lee’s performance as well as questioning his decision to skip CWG.
In the segment, two of the sports presenters joked about how he had skipped the CWG only to disappoint in the World Championships.
Meanwhile, another presenter said that LZJ should take this as a lesson when deciding on important matters in the future.
“Whether you want it or not, you have to show the spirit you have for the country in all of the competitions. There is no competition that is less important than the other.”
“If you had made the right decision (in your eyes) then why didn’t you do something that is just ‘wow’ at the World Champs,” she added.
When the other presenter mentioned that perhaps decisions were made by those behind the scenes, the presenter said that LZJ as a professional player should be matured enough to not let others influence his decision.
“He has won a lot under BAM previously, so it should be planted in him to (fight) for the country. To put Malaysia as the priority over everything else.”
“Embarrassing. Why can’t you just be supportive.”
The clip of the segment went viral on social media as Malaysians slammed the presenters for criticising LZJ’s performance and his decision to skip the CWG.
“It’s sad to be LZJ. You need to be perfect only then will everyone shut up.”
Another user commented, “Why (is there) in sport and even badminton (this) toxic culture. Even international media comments about this toxicity. Why can’t they let the man breathe?”
Meanwhile, a user pointed out all of LZJ’s achievements and said that although he was injured, many choose not to listen because it didn’t fit their narrative. “He loves his country Malaysia.”
“Embarrassing, although you’re in a field where you have to be a professional doesn’t mean that they’re professional. Supposed to be giving support, no wonder why badminton commentators know that Malaysian media is just the same as netizens with their comments,” said a user.
Watch the full video here.
What do you think? Do they have a point or are they completely in the wrong?
Also read: M’sians Are Showing Love & Support To Lee Zii Jia Despite His Defeat At All England Semi Finals
