Soon Kit backs Sze Fei-Izzuddin to end Asian Games gold drought

Former Olympic silver medallist Datuk Cheah Soon Kit has endorsed the prospects of Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani to end Malaysia's 20-year badminton gold drought at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Malaysia's last men's doubles gold was won by Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong at the 2006 Doha Games. Sze Fei-Izzuddin, currently ranked 6th in the world, have declared their intent to secure a gold medal at the competition held at the Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium from September 20-29.

The former men's doubles protégés have set their sights high, seeing the Asian Games as a pivotal event that occurs only once every four years. Soon Kit, a part of the 1992 Thomas Cup-winning team, encourages them to aim for victory, stating that setting high targets is the first step towards success. He also highlights the significance of the Asian Games, considering it the second most important tournament after the Olympics.

However, he expresses surprise at the decision of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to field Aaron Chia-Tee Kai Wun as a pair instead of the duo of Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, who won bronze at the 2022 Hangzhou Games. Despite this, Soon Kit remains optimistic about the women's doubles pairing of Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, who could potentially win a medal if Pearly recovers from her back injury and regains her confidence.