Foo Kok Keong backs Lee Zii Jia’s return to bolster Thomas Cup hopes

The 1992 Thomas Cup hero believes Lee Zii Jia can be Malaysia’s decisive weapon if fielded as third singles in Denmark.

SUBANG JAYA: Datuk Foo Kok Keong is best remembered for his fighting spirit on the badminton court — a never-say-die attitude that saw him chase down every shuttlecock, even when the odds were stacked against him.

As a member of Malaysia’s last Thomas Cup-winning team in 1992, Foo’s exploits remain etched in the memories of badminton fans.

Now 63, he continues to follow Malaysia’s progress on the world stage closely. And he believes the national team will need the services of professional shuttler Lee Zii Jia if it hopes to reclaim the Thomas Cup trophy it last lifted 34 years ago.

Lee, who has endured a series of injury setbacks, is currently ranked No. 64 in the world. Should he answer the national call-up, he is likely to be fielded as the third singles player.

Leong Jun Hao (No. 27), Justin Hoh (No. 39) and Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin (No. 46) are currently ranked ahead of him — a scenario Foo feels could work to Malaysia’s advantage at the Thomas Cup in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24 to May 3.

“I’m quite certain our doubles players can hold their own against the best in the world, but our singles players are slightly weaker,” said Foo.

“However, if the score is tied at 2-2, I’m more than confident Lee can be the match-winner for Malaysia.”

Last week, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) said it had invited Lee, Aidil Sholeh and men’s pair Goh Sze Fei–Nur Izzuddin Mohd Rumsani to join the centralised training camp. They have yet to respond.

The national body also revealed plans for a 10-day training camp in Denmark ahead of the Thomas Cup as part of its final preparations.

Foo said having a player of Lee’s calibre back in the centralised system — even if only for the Thomas Cup build-up — would raise internal competition and provide valuable sparring opportunities for the national players.

“When you have a top player in training, it pushes everyone else to raise their standard. That internal competition is important before a major tournament like the Thomas Cup,” he said.

“I know Lee has had many injuries recently, but there is no doubting his talent.

“It is never easy coming back from injuries, but I feel Lee has it in him to return to the top of the badminton world.”

Foo added that players aspiring to be among the world’s best must be willing to go the extra mile.

“This means doing extra training on their own and not just depending on what their coaches have prepared,” he said.

“To compete with powerhouses such as China, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea, Malaysia’s players must elevate their consistency and mental strength. Most importantly, they need a never-say-die attitude.”