KUALA LUMPUR — Despite a difficult run last month, legendary doubles coach Herry Iman Pierngadi never lost faith in top men’s pair Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik.
Known as the ‘Fire Dragon’, the Indonesian coach — who joined the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) in February — stood firmly behind the duo during their struggles, providing the motivation and guidance that culminated in their maiden Asian Championships title yesterday in Ningbo, China.
The world number six Malaysians defeated China’s Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi 21-19, 21-17 in the final at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasium.
Aaron and Wooi Yik, former world champions and two-time Olympic bronze medallists, are now the first Malaysian men’s doubles pair to win the Asian Championships since Choong Tan Fook and Lee Wan Wah in 2007.
“For me, the past is the past,” Herry told BAM in an interview, reflecting on the pair’s struggles during last month’s European leg of the World Tour.
“We accept that we didn’t get the results we wanted in Europe, but we must remember that Aaron was dealing with leg and shoulder injuries — particularly during the All England.”
“That’s why, after returning from Europe, we prioritised therapy and rehabilitation to gradually bring Aaron back to full fitness. Our focus was to ensure both players were fully prepared for the BAC (Badminton Asia Championships),” added Herry, who was unable to accompany the pair in Europe due to visa issues.
For context, the Malaysian pair suffered back-to-back first-round exits at the Super 300 Orleans Masters and the Super 1000 All England.
Looking ahead, their next major challenge is the Sudirman Cup in Xiamen, China, from April 27 to May 4.
Herry pointed out that Malaysia now has three strong men’s pairs to rotate, including independent world number twos Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani.
“Aaron and Wooi Yik will undoubtedly be fatigued after the tournament and their rushed return (today). Over the next two weeks, my priority is to help them regain peak condition.
“The next few days will focus on recovery, and only after that will we shift our attention to preparing for the Sudirman Cup,” said Herry. — April 14, 2025