Kuala lumpur: Professional men's singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia and men's doubles player Soh Wooi Yik have been left out of Malaysia's badminton squad for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games in September.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the squad list released by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) today highlights that singles shuttlers Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh have been selected to compete in both the men's team and individual events, excluding Zii Jia from the squad.
In the men's doubles category, BAM has retained world No. 6 pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Mohd Rumsani and also introduced the newly formed partnership of Aaron Chia-Tee Kai Wun, which results in the omission of Wooi Yik from the squad.
Aaron and Kai Wun's recent pairing is part of BAM's long-term strategy following the decision to split the Olympic bronze medallists Aaron and Wooi Yik.
The men's team for the team event will include Jun Hao, Justin, Eogene Ewe, Kong Wei Xiang, Aaron, Kai Wun, Sze Fei, Nur Izzuddin, Chen Tang Jie, and Goh Soon Huat.
For the women's team event, BAM has selected K. Letshanaa, Wong Ling Ching, Oo Shan Zi, Eng Ler Qi, world No. 4 women's doubles pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, Low Zi Yu-Noraqilah Maisarah Ramdan, Cheng Su Yin, and Shevon Lai Jemie.
In the individual events, Jun Hao and Justin will represent Malaysia in the men's singles, while Letshanaa and Ling Ching will compete in the women's singles.
For the men's doubles, Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin and Aaron-Kai Wun will represent Malaysia, while Pearly-Thinaah and Zi Yu-Noraqilah have been named for the women's doubles.
In the mixed doubles, world No. 12 pair Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie will lead Malaysia's efforts.
With mixed doubles player Toh Ee Wei recovering from knee surgery in Melbourne, Cheng Su Yin has taken her place. Su Yin, who reached the semi-finals of the Japan Open last week, will partner Chen Tang Jie as Malaysia's second mixed doubles pair.
The badminton competition at the Asian Games will begin with the team events from September 20 to 24, followed by the individual events from September 25 to 29.