The 2024 Summer Olympics saw Lee Zii Jia claim a bronze medal in the men's singles event, establishing him as the third Malaysian player to achieve this feat after Rashid Sidek and Lee Chong Wei. Born in 1998 in Alor Setar, Kedah, Lee emerged as a prominent force in international badminton through his physical agility and signature backhand smash.
Early Development and Junior Circuit
Introduced to the sport by his parents, school teachers and former basketball internationals, Lee began his training at the age of six. He attended Keat Hwa Primary School before his performance in under-12 competitions facilitated his entry into the Bukit Jalil Sports School. By 2015, his results on the international circuit earned him a position within the Badminton Association of Malaysia. His junior tenure included a bronze medal at the 2016 World Junior Championships and an appearance in the final of the India International Series.
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Lee secured his first senior title at the 2017 Polish International Series. His breakthrough in the BWF World Tour occurred in 2018 at the Chinese Taipei Open, where he defeated World No. 4 Chou Tien-chen before besting Riichi Takeshita in the final. By late 2019, he entered the top 15, reaching a world ranking of 11 in November. He concluded that year by winning the men's singles gold medal at the South East Asian Games, contributing to a team silver for Malaysia.
Major Titles and Associations
The 2021 All England Open marked his first BWF Super 1000 victory, where he defeated Viktor Axelsen. This success continued into 2022, a year defined by his resignation from the Badminton Association of Malaysia. Following a brief period of controversy surrounding his status and a subsequently lifted ban, he captured the Badminton Asia Championships title by defeating Jonatan Christie. Shortly after, he secured the Thailand Open, his first BWF World Tour Super 500 title.
Fast facts
- Born: 1998, Alor Setar, Malaysia
- Sport: Badminton
- Olympic Achievement: 2024 Summer Olympics Bronze Medalist
- Key Titles: All England Open (2021), Asian Champion (2022)
- Professional Recognition: Gen.T (Malaysia) 2021
- Professional Recognition: Asia's Most Influential Malaysia (2021, 2022)
Questions readers ask
Which major Olympic medal did Lee Zii Jia win?
He won the bronze medal in the men's singles event at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
When did he win his first BWF Super 1000 title?
He won his first Super 1000 tournament at the All England Open in March 2021.
Achievements
- Competed at 2016 Badminton World Junior Championships – men's singles, 2017 Malaysia International Series – men's singles and 2016 German Junior International Badminton Championships – men's singles
- Discipline: badminton
