Ningbo, China – World No. 2 doubles pair Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik will look to defend their crown at the Badminton Asia Championships, set to take place in Ningbo, China, from April 7-12. The Malaysian duo heads into the tournament seeking to convert recent close calls into a championship victory, having finished as runners-up at both the Malaysian Open and the All-England Open earlier this year.
The pair’s near misses came against the formidable Korean duo of Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae, currently ranked No. 1 in the world. Despite the defeats, national doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky remains confident in Chia and Wooi Yik’s ability to perform on the biggest stage. “Aaron-Wooi Yik are the defending champions, so of course we want them to retain the title,” Mainaky said, adding that he hopes all of Malaysia’s competing pairs will give their best effort.
Beyond the defending champions, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) will field a strong contingent of players, including Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun and Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King. The independent pair of Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani will also compete, showcasing the depth of Malaysian badminton talent.
This year’s Asian Championships hold particular significance as teams prepare for the upcoming Thomas Cup Finals in Denmark. Mainaky revealed that centralized training with the independent players will commence at a later stage, respecting their preference for individual preparation following recent European tournaments. “The independent players will not be joining us immediately after the European tournaments as they prefer to train on their own first,” Mainaky explained. “The selected players will then join the centralized training in Herning, Denmark, before the Finals.”
Chia and Wooi Yik’s journey to the top has been marked by consistent improvement and a historic achievement. According to their Wikipedia page, they became the first-ever world badminton champions from Malaysia after winning the men’s doubles title at the 2022 World Championships. They’ve continued to add to their accolades, including a gold medal at the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and a more recent triumph at the 2025 Asian Championships, ending Malaysia’s 18-year drought in the event.
The 2025 Badminton Asia Championships saw Chia and Wooi Yik defeat China’s Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi in straight games, 21-19, 21-17, in the final. This victory underscored their dominance throughout the tournament, as they didn’t drop a single game en route to the title. The win also avenged a previous loss to Chen and Liu at the 2024 Denmark Open, improving their head-to-head record to 3-1.
The Badminton Asia Championships aren’t just about doubles action. The 2025 edition also saw Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand develop history as the first Thai men’s singles player to win the championship. However, the final was unfortunately marked by the retirement of China’s Lu Guang Zu due to a back injury.
As Chia and Wooi Yik prepare to defend their title in Ningbo, they carry the weight of a nation’s expectations. Their recent performances, coupled with their historical achievements, position them as strong contenders for the championship. The tournament will not only test their skills but also their resilience as they navigate a challenging field of competitors.
Following the Asian Championships, the focus will shift to the Thomas Cup Finals in Denmark. The centralized training camp in Herning will be crucial for team cohesion and strategic preparation as Malaysia aims to make a strong showing on the world stage. The timing of the training camp, allowing independent players to first focus on their individual routines, reflects a modern approach to player management and a commitment to maximizing performance.
Fans can follow the Badminton Asia Championships from April 7-12 to witness the world’s best players battle for supremacy in Ningbo. The tournament promises thrilling matches and captivating performances as athletes vie for glory and valuable ranking points. The event is a key stepping stone towards the Thomas Cup and a chance for Malaysia to further cement its position as a badminton powerhouse.
What’s Next: The Badminton Asia Championships begin April 7th in Ningbo, China. Following the tournament, attention turns to the Thomas Cup Finals in Denmark, with centralized training for the Malaysian team scheduled to begin shortly thereafter.
