Badminton: Herry Iman Pierngadi Reflects on Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik’s Performance and International Coaching Journey

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief, Archysport

In the wake of Malaysia’s historic 2025 Badminton Asia Championships (BAC) men’s doubles victory, head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi has addressed the pressures faced by his star pair, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, while navigating the complex dynamics of international coaching. The win, which ended an 18-year gold medal drought for Malaysia, has sparked praise for Herry’s strategic acumen but also ignited criticism from Indonesian fans, who blame their national federation for losing the seasoned coach.

The Road to BAC 2025 Glory

Herry Iman Pierngadi, affectionately known as “Coach Naga Api” (Fire Snake) in Malaysian badminton circles, joined the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) in early 2025. His arrival marked a turning point for the men’s doubles squad, which had struggled to compete with Indonesia’s dominant pair of Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto. Under his guidance, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik delivered a commanding performance at the 2025 BAC in Ningbo, China, culminating in a straight-sets final victory over China’s Chen Bo Yang/Liu Yi.

The win was particularly significant for Malaysia, as it marked the first BAC men’s doubles title since 2007. Chia and Wooi Yik’s dominance was fueled by Herry’s emphasis on mental resilience and tactical adaptability, traits that became critical in high-stakes matches. “We focused on staying composed under pressure,” Herry said in a post-tournament interview with Malaysian media. “The players understood their roles and executed them with precision.”

Indonesian Fans’ Frustration and Herry’s Response

While Malaysian fans celebrated the victory, Indonesian badminton enthusiasts voiced their discontent. Herry, who spent 25 years coaching Indonesia’s national team, had left the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) in 2024 amid a restructuring of its coaching staff. His departure coincided with a slump in Indonesia’s men’s doubles performance, leading some fans to blame PBSI for losing a key figure