Chia and Soh Set for Final World Championships Together in 2026

Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik are poised to reunite on the badminton court for the 2026 BWF World Championships in New Delhi, potentially marking their final tournament as a men’s doubles team. The pair made history by winning the world title in 2022, a significant achievement for Malaysian badminton.

After spending several months competing with different partners due to a national reshuffle in men’s doubles, both players are returning to their original partnership. Aaron has been playing alongside Aaron Tai, while Soh teamed up with Man Wei Chong, as national coach Herry Iman Pierngadi explored various combinations.

Despite their time apart, Aaron remains confident that their long-standing partnership will not be adversely affected. He emphasized the importance of taking the tournament one match at a time, focusing on immediate challenges rather than future opponents. This strategy has proven effective for them in past competitions, where managing pressure is crucial.

Coach Herry has indicated that the upcoming World Championships will be the last for Aaron and Soh as a regular partnership, hoping their reunion will reignite their motivation after their experiences with different partners. He noted that the duo has looked comfortable in training since resuming their collaboration.

The significance of their 2022 victory cannot be overstated; it marked Malaysia's first senior badminton world championship title, ending a long wait for the nation. Their achievement not only made history but also set a high bar for future Malaysian players in the sport.