Lee Zii Jia Secures Opening Win: Enthusiastic Crowd Makes It Hard to Hear the Umpire
On the second day of the Paris Olympics badminton tournament, Malaysia’s top men’s singles player Lee Zii Jia competed in Group G against Sri Lanka’s Vihan. Despite facing resistance from his opponent, Lee triumphed with straight sets of 21-14 and 21-12, securing his first group stage victory.
In a post-match interview, Lee was asked about the differences between his two Olympic appearances. He acknowledged that the primary difference between the Tokyo and Paris Olympics was the presence of the audience.
“This is my first match at the Paris Olympics, and I am pleased to start with a victory. I hope things will continue to improve. Compared to the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, the main difference here is the audience. I can feel the atmosphere, the lively environment, and the numerous spectators each day. This is a positive sign for badminton.”
Lee noted that the enthusiastic crowd did make it somewhat challenging for him, as their loud cheering made it difficult to hear the umpire.
“The situation here is completely different from Tokyo. I believe this presents a unique challenge for us athletes, and everyone must adapt to this environment.”
When asked about his thoughts on winning a medal, Lee expressed that participating in the Olympics and standing on the podium is a dream for everyone. He aims to keep himself calm, avoiding excessive nervousness and pressure.