Aaron-Wooi Yik to resume partnership after Asian Games

 BAM performance committee chairman Lee Chong Wei says the pair are committed to working together through to the 2028 Olympics.

Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik are teaming up with different partners in a temporary split until the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, conclude in early October. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR:

Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik will resume their partnership after the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in October, says Badminton Association of Malaysia performance committee chairman Lee Chong Wei.

Chong Wei said the decision was reached after a “heart-to-heart” discussion yesterday involving him, the coaching staff and both players, Bernama reported.

He said Aaron and Wooi Yik were committed to working together in upcoming tournaments, including the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

For the Asian Games, however, Aaron will partner Tee Kai Wun, while Wooi Yik will not compete in the tournament.

Chong Wei said the coaching staff had opted to try a new combination for the Asian Games in a bid to field stronger pairings.

“I told Rexy (Mainaky) after this Asian Games, they (Aaron-Wooi Yik) will be back as partners until 2028,” he was quoted as saying on the sidelines of the Lee Chong Wei Cup badminton tournament at Juara Stadium, Bukit Kiara.

On claims that the players were not consulted about the temporary split, Chong Wei said the matter had been resolved during yesterday’s meeting.

“I told Wooi Yik and Aaron, it’s okay. Now we close this chapter. They said they want to go to the 2028 Olympics. If you want to be on the same page and go together, okay,” he said.

The Asian Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from Sept 19 to Oct 4. - FMT