Malaysia’s badminton federation has unveiled an Asian Games badminton squad that looks nothing like fans expected, dropping several established stars ahead of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Games in Japan. The Games run from September 19 to October 4, and the badminton competition features team events first, followed by individual events.
Asian Games Badminton Squad Drops Zii Jia and Wooi Yik
Top men’s singles player Lee Zii Jia withdrew voluntarily from the squad. According to Lee Chong Wei, chairman of the BAM performance committee, Zii Jia notified the association himself after concluding that his current form did not meet the standard required to compete. As a result, younger players such as Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh will take his place in the individual event.
The Asian Games badminton squad also underwent a major shake-up in men’s doubles. Soh Wooi Yik, who partnered Aaron Chia to a silver medal at the 2026 World Championships, was left out entirely. Instead, coaches paired Chia with Tee Kai Wun in a fresh combination aimed at building depth ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Although critics questioned the decision to separate Chia and Wooi Yik once again, BAM has confirmed that Wooi Yik will not travel to Japan. However, contrary to earlier reports, BAM’s coaching director has said any decision on permanently reuniting the pair will only be made after the Asian Games concludes.
Asian Games Badminton Squad Faces Mixed Doubles Setback
Mixed doubles suffered a further setback. Toh Ee Wei, the country’s first choice mixed doubles player, will miss the Games while she recovers from surgery on a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee, which she underwent in Melbourne, Australia. Consequently, Chen Tang Jie will instead partner Cheng Su Yin for the tournament. Tang Jie has said he will give his best effort regardless of who partners him, and he confirmed that Ee Wei continues her rehabilitation abroad.
Overall, the Asian Games badminton squad appears weaker on paper than in previous years. Meanwhile, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see whether the reshuffled lineup can still deliver medals in Aichi-Nagoya.
