KUALA LUMPUR: National top men's pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik have recommitted to the BA of Malaysia (BAM), signing a four-year deal that will keep them with the national team through the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
This decision comes as a significant boost to BAM, especially in light of reports that world No. 12 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani may leave to turn professional.
Aaron-Wooi Yik have enjoyed considerable success on the major stage in recent years, notably becoming Malaysia's first-ever world champions and winning two Olympic bronze medals, including at the recent Paris 2024 Games.
Given their achievements, it would not have been surprising if they had received lucrative offers to leave the national team.
The path of independence has proven successful for some, as demonstrated by Malaysia's top singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia, who clinched bronze in Paris two years after leaving the national team, becoming the first Malaysian shuttler to accomplish this feat.
However, Aaron-Wooi Yik's decision to remain with BAM underlines the continued relevance of the national team system for shuttlers with big dreams.
Their long-term commitment suggests they have confidence in the current setup to support their pursuit of gold at LA 2028.
During last week's press conference, Aaron pledged loyalty to BAM, stating: "Our achievements in the past few years clearly demonstrate BAM's contribution. If you're asking this question, I'd say that if we stay with BAM, we will definitely be able to deliver significant results, although I'm not certain to what extent."
For BAM, retaining world-class players of Aaron-Wooi Yik's calibre is a relief.
While not a profit-making organisation, BAM rely heavily on marketable stars to attract sponsors and sustain national team operations.
BAM are expected to make every effort to retain other top shuttlers, including women's pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and mixed pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, who impressed with fourth place and quarter-final finishes respectively in their Olympic debuts.