KUALA LUMPUR: National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky believes Malaysia’s badminton squad has the potential to win gold at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, which will take place from September 19 to October 4.
While confident in the squad’s capabilities, Rexy said he does not want to place excessive pressure on the players. Malaysia is therefore taking a realistic approach, with silver and bronze medals set as the initial targets, although he personally believes the players are capable of achieving more.
His confidence is strengthened by several leading pairs, including Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Mohd Rumsani, Aaron Chia-Tee Kai Wun, Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and Chen Tang Jie-Cheng Su Yin. Rexy added that the tournament draw could be crucial, particularly for pairs who may have to face top contenders in the earlier rounds.
Malaysia last won an Asian Games badminton gold medal at Doha 2006, when Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong captured the men’s doubles title. At Hangzhou 2022, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik secured bronze.
Badminton is among Malaysia’s potential medal-winning sports as the national contingent targets an overall haul of six gold, seven silver and 20 bronze medals at Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
