2026 Asian Games Among Aaron-Wooi Yik Key Priorities

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s top men’s doubles pair, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik have identified the 2026 Asian Games in Japan as one of their key priorities this year.

Besides the Asian Games, Aaron said they would also focus fully on two other major tournaments -  the 2026 World Championships in New Delhi and the 2026 World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, China.

“It’s already almost June, and next year Olympic qualification begins. At our age now, our focus is more on major tournaments.

“We may not have many titles, but we do have some. Right now, our focus is only on major tournaments. Whatever happens, we will definitely give our best and not take things lightly,” he said when met at the Malaysia Masters 2026 at Unifi Arena, Bukit Jalil.

Aaron and Wooi Yik made history in 2022 by becoming Malaysia’s first badminton players to win the World Championships title in Tokyo. They have also secured two Olympic bronze medals, the 2025 Asian Badminton Championships title and four World Tour crowns.

Yesterday, the world number two pair advanced to the second round of the Malaysia Masters 2026 after fighting back to defeat Singapore’s Wesley Koh and Kubo Junsuke 19-21, 21-10, 21-12 in 45 minutes.

The Super 500 tournament, which began yesterday and runs until May 24, offers a total prize purse of US$500,000 (RM1.98 million).

-- BERNAMA