Former world champions Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik will reunite after the 2016 Asian Games next month to prepare for an Olympic gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
They are expected to continue their partnership during the European tour, starting with the Denmark Open on October 13-18, followed by the French Open on October 20-25.
Football Association of Malaysia (BAM) performance committee chairman Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei said the decision was taken after a meeting involving players, coaches and BAM officials following the controversy over the two players’ temporary separation and Wooi Yik’s exclusion from the Asian Games squad.
“Aaron and Wooi Yik said they want to pair up again and take part in the 2028 Olympics,” said Chong Wei at the Lee Chong Wei Cup at the Juara Stadium, Bukit Kiara, today.
“I have spoken with national coaching director Rexy Mainaky, and after the Asian Games they will play together again, starting with tournaments in France and Denmark.”
The pair recently won a silver medal at the World Championships in New Delhi.
However, Chong Wei warned that the reunion must be accompanied by unwavering commitment, and expected the players to overcome future difficulties rather than seek further divisions.
“They can’t stop midway when there’s a problem and ask to change again,” he said.
“Initially they wanted to try different partners, but now they chose to reunite. We listened to them, discussed it, and will continue after the Asian Games.”
Lee Chong Wei also defended the decision to test impromptu player combinations, saying the Asian Games squad was selected based on the coach’s assessment of the players’ performance at the time.
He said that the coaches could not convince the committee that the pair could present a medal at the prestigious continental level event.
“The Asian Games are held every four years, while the World Championships are held every year,” he said.
“We have to select the players in the best condition and combinations that have the best chance of winning a medal.”
“When I asked if Aaron-Wooi Yik could win a medal, the coaches couldn’t give me a convincing answer.”
“We go to the Asian Games to win medals, regardless of the color. Of course, our dream is always to win a gold medal.”
Chong Wei emphasized that he only agreed to the line-up proposed by the coaching team, who was more familiar with the players’ performance in training.
The triple Olympic silver medalist admitted the criticism had taken an emotional toll, adding that life was easier as a player when he just had to focus on the competition.
“Making decisions in this position is not easy. Some people will agree and others will be angry, but I accept that,” he said.
“I will continue to carry out my responsibilities. We cannot make decisions just to please everyone.”
He added that he had no personal issues with any of the players and remained proud of both players’ achievements.
“Everything I do is for the good of BAM and the country,” he said.
“Even if I can’t win an Olympic gold medal myself, I will still be proud if I can help our young players win medals.”
The pair were first separated for the Japan Open in July as BAM looked to test new combinations ahead of the Olympic qualifying period.
Aaron paired with Aaron Tai to achieve runner-up position at the Taiwan Open, while Wooi Yik paired with Man Wei Chong to achieve runner-up position at the Korea Masters.
At the Asian Games, Aaron will be paired with Tee Kai Wun while Wooi Yik was not selected.
For next week’s China Masters tournament, Aaron-Wooi Yik will partner Wei Chong and Aaron Tai.
Article Tag: lee chong wei, soh wooi yik, aaron chia, tee kai wun, aaron tai, asian games 2026
Published by Ligaolahraga.com at https://www.ligaolahraga.com/badminton/lee-chong-wei-pastikan-aaron-wooi-yik-akan-besar-bersatu-pasca-asian-games