In a historic triumph, Malaysia’s Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik have clinched the men’s doubles title at the 2025 Badminton Asia Championships, held in Ningbo, China, on April 13, 2025. Their victory marks the end of an 18-year drought for Malaysia in the prestigious tournament, bringing immense pride to the nation and cementing their status as one of the world’s elite doubles pairs.
Facing China’s formidable second-seeded pair, Liu Yuchen and Ou Xuanyi, in the final, Chia and Wooi Yik delivered a masterclass in resilience and precision. The Malaysians secured a hard-fought 21-18, 21-19 victory in straight games, showcasing their trademark aggressive smashes and airtight defense. The win was a testament to their growing chemistry, honed under the guidance of coach Herry Iman Pierngadi, whose strategic input proved pivotal. [Source: BadmintonPlanet.com]
This triumph is a milestone for Malaysian badminton, as the last men’s doubles title at the Badminton Asia Championships came in 2007. Chia and Wooi Yik, ranked world No. 5, have been a beacon of consistency, with previous accolades including a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the 2022 BWF World Championships title. Their 2025 season has been stellar, with semifinal appearances at the All England Open and a runner-up finish at the India Open, making this championship win a crowning achievement.
The final was a thrilling affair. In the first game, Chia and Wooi Yik trailed 15-17 but rallied with a four-point run, capitalizing on Liu’s net errors to take the game 21-18. The second game saw intense back-and-forth action, with the score tied at 19-19. A perfectly timed smash from Chia and a defensive block by Wooi Yik sealed the match, sparking celebrations among Malaysian fans. “We’ve dreamed of this moment for so long,” Wooi Yik said post-match. “To win for Malaysia after 18 years feels unreal.”
This victory propels Chia and Wooi Yik into the spotlight as favorites for the upcoming TotalEnergies BWF Sudirman Cup Finals (April 27–May 4, 2025) in Shenzhen, China. With their confidence soaring, the duo aims to challenge top pairs like Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto at future BWF World Tour events. For Malaysian badminton, this win signals a resurgence, with fans hopeful for more titles in the years ahead.
As Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik bask in their well-earned glory, their achievement inspires a new generation of players in Malaysia and beyond. The badminton world eagerly awaits their next move as they continue to redefine doubles excellence.
