## Malaysian Badminton star Li Zi Jia Inks Multi-Million Dollar Deal with Victor
Li Zi Jia,Malaysia’s top-ranked men’s singles badminton player,has officially joined forces with Taiwan’s Victor Sports Equipment,marking a notable move in his career. [[1]] Both Victor and the world number seven player confirmed the partnership on their respective Instagram pages,although the financial details of the contract remain undisclosed. Speculation suggests it’s a lucrative multi-million dollar agreement.
Victor expressed their excitement about welcoming Zi Jia back to the “Victor family,” highlighting his status as a Malaysian badminton ace. The brand emphasized their pride in this renewed collaboration and their anticipation of creating memorable moments together in the years to come.
Zi Jia, now 23 years old, cited Victor’s professionalism and dedication as key factors influencing his decision. He also expressed feeling a sense of belonging and comfort with the brand. Interestingly, Zi Jia’s rise to prominence coincided with Victor’s previous sponsorship of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) from 2015 to 2021. This six-year partnership, valued at RM60 million, ended a long-standing relationship between BAM and Japanese brand Yonex.
While BAM later returned to Yonex with a RM55 million deal spanning from April 2021 to March 2026, Victor continues to sponsor a roster of badminton stars, including world number one Taiwanese singles player Tai Tzu-ying and the world number two Indonesian men’s doubles pair, Muhammed Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan.
Earlier this year, Zi Jia made headlines by parting ways with BAM to pursue an independant career. Reports surfaced indicating he had received multi-million ringgit offers from various badminton equipment brands.
Fresh off his contribution to malaysia’s victory at the 2022 Asian Tag Team Championship,Zi Jia is poised to embark on his professional journey. His first stop will be the German Open,scheduled from March 8-13,followed by the defense of his All England title from March 16 to 20.
Spiking New Heights: Lee chong Wei Weighs In on Li Zi Jia’s Victor Deal
Li Zi Jia’s recent move to Victor Sports has made headlines, and to break down this monumental shift in Malaysian badminton, I’m joined by none other than the legendary Lee Chong Wei, three-time Olympic silver medalist and former world number one. Welcome, Chong Wei.
Lee Chong Wei: It’s a pleasure to be here.
Moderator: Chong Wei, with victor welcoming Zi Jia back into the ‘family’ and some whispers of a multi-million dollar contract, this seems like a meaningful moment for the 23-year-old. What are your thoughts on this partnership?
Lee Chong Wei: It’s a smart move for Zi Jia, there’s no doubt whatsoever.Victor’s a reputable brand with a strong track record in badminton, and they clearly believe in Zi Jia’s potential. Having the right equipment and support system is crucial in a player’s development, notably at this stage in his career.
Moderator: Absolutely. And speaking of development, Zi Jia’s rise coincided with Victor’s sponsorship of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) previously.Do you think that connection played a role in this decision?
Lee Chong Wei: It’s certainly possible. Familiarity breeds comfort. Zi Jia would have been exposed to Victor equipment during that period, and knowing the brand, feeling pleasant with the rackets, can be a big factor for any player.
Moderator: Now, Zi Jia’s decision to go autonomous also made waves. Some might argue that BAM’s support plays a crucial role, especially for someone taking their first steps into the professional world. How do you see Zi Jia navigating this path independently, particularly with this new sponsorship deal?
Lee Chong Wei: it will be challenging, no doubt. But Zi Jia is incredibly talented and driven. He’s proven he can handle pressure and perform on the big stage. this move shows he’s confident in his abilities and wants to take control of his career. The victor deal provides him with financial stability and the freedom to build his own team and structure. It’s a bold move, but I believe he has the potential to succeed.
Moderator: Exciting times for Malaysian badminton. Zi Jia’s next appearances at the German Open and the All England Championships will be highly anticipated. Do you think this new sponsorship will give him an extra edge?
Lee Chong Wei: It could definitely be a boost.Confidence plays a huge role in badminton, and knowing you have the backing of a strong brand like Victor can provide that extra mental edge.
Moderator: What advice would you give Zi Jia as he embarks on this new chapter?
Lee Chong Wei: stay disciplined, focused, and believe in yourself. Surround yourself with a good team and don’t be afraid to learn and grow. The badminton world is watching, and I have no doubt Zi jia has the talent and determination to reach even greater heights.
Moderator: wise words, indeed. Thank you for sharing your insights, Chong Wei. It’s always a pleasure to hear your perspectives on Malaysian badminton.
Lee Chong Wei: My pleasure. I wish Zi Jia all the best in his new journey.
Moderator: We, too, wish him well. now, Let’s hear your thoughts. Do you think Li Zi Jia made the right call by transitioning to an independent career? How do you see this partnership with Victor shaping his future? Sound off in the comments below!
