Kuala Lumpur: Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh will hold talks with shuttlers Lee Zii Jia (men’s singles) and Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Mohd Rumsani (men’s doubles) to discuss potential collaboration and assistance through the Road to Gold (RTG) programme for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games (LA28).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative aims to explore how the RTG programme can provide a better support system for professional players like Zii Jia, who is currently not under the programme. Yeoh noted that the trend of independent players achieving success has increased, highlighting Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin as examples. The discussions are anticipated to commence next month to explore potential collaboration with the RTG.

Yeoh shared these details with reporters at a ceremony for the handover of upgraded basketball court facilities in Bukit Maluri. She mentioned that scheduling conflicts, including the Chinese New Year holiday, had delayed the meeting. With the puasa month approaching, efforts are being made to find a suitable time, considering the athletes’ travel commitments.

Last week, Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin expressed their readiness to join the RTG programme, viewing it as preparation for LA28. Additionally, Yeoh mentioned plans to reshuffle the RTG Committee and evaluate all athletes currently under the programme.