Asian Games: Fans question the exclusion of Wooi Yik, Zii Jia & Jimmy

Fans have questioned the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) team selection to the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan in September.

The absence of national men’s doubles star Soh Wooi Yik and professional shuttler Lee Zii Jia have particularly been questioned by fans, who felt their inclusion would have added depth to the squad.

Soh and his former partner Aaron Chia are bronze medalists from the 2022 edition, and eventhough both men were recently split up, it would have made sense for reunite them for the multi-sports Games.

This is because Chia-Soh would be playing together at the World Championships in August, and if they do well in New Delhi, not having them link up for the Asian Games would be seen as a costly mistake.

As per their selection, the BAM have decided to pair Chia with Tee Kai Wun for the individual event.

Lee’s exclusion also comes as a surprise as he would have been a better choice compared to Justin Hoh who has disappointed all season.

In the mixed doubles, fans also expressed their frustration in seeing Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai given the nod over the much younger Jimmy Wong, who reached the Japan Open semi-finals with Cheng Su Yin last week.

The national body have instead decided to partner Chen Tang Jie with Cheng and leave Wong out altogether.

Should the national team fail to deliver, the decision to leave out Soh, Lee and Wong will come back to haunt the national coaching staff.