Aaron-Wooi Yik to resume partnership after Asian Games

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29 — Lee Chong Wei, chairman of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), announced that the country's top doubles team, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, will reunite for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. The decision was reached after a discussion between Lee, the coaching staff, and the players. Aaron Chia will be paired with Tee Kai Wun for the Asian Games, while Soh Wooi Yik will not participate, as the coaching staff opted for a 'scratch pair' strategy.

Lee Chong Wei emphasized that the decision was based on coaches' recommendations to ensure players had the best chance at earning medals in the quadrennial tournament. He reassured fans that Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik would return as partners until the 2028 Olympic Games, despite some players expressing their disagreement about being excluded from the Asian Games team. Lee addressed these concerns in a meeting, assuring them that they would continue their pursuit of success in the upcoming tournaments.

The national badminton legend also shared his thoughts on the challenges involved in his current role as BAM's performance committee chairman. He acknowledged the pressure and criticism that often accompanies his position, but insisted that all decisions made were in the best interest of the country and BAM, not personal interests or dislike for certain players.

He reminded players to remember the support they received from those who helped them reach their success and expressed his gratitude for the people who contributed to his own journey to becoming a world champion.