KUALA LUMPUR: Olympic medallist Aaron Chia has firmly dismissed rumours that he and his doubles partner, Soh Wooi Yik, have demanded RM2 million per year to remain in the national team.
Several "prominent players" were reportedly making such demands to the BA of Malaysia (BAM), though no names were specified.
Speculation has centred around the nation's top three pairs — Aaron-Wooi Yik, Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah (women's doubles) and Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei (mixed doubles).
Speaking to the media after Tuesday's training session, Aaron categorically denied making such demands, highlighting their commitment to stay with the national team through the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
"A rumour is just that – a rumour. I don't know the source of this speculation," said Aaron.
"It is certainly not us — we've already signed our agreement. I have no idea who (might have made such demands)."
The rumours have not affected Aaron-Wooi Yik's focus, as they aim to recover from a post-Olympics slump and end the year strongly.
Since securing their second consecutive Olympic bronze, the pair have struggled to make an impact in their only two tournaments, reaching the last 16 at the Arctic Open and the quarter-finals at the Denmark Open, where they were defending champions.
They will next compete in the Korea Masters, Kumamoto Masters, and China Masters. Their goal is to earn enough ranking points to break into the top eight of the Race to Hangzhou standings to qualify for the season-ending World Tour Finals in December. They currently sit in 12th position.
Before these crucial tournaments, Aaron-Wooi Yik will play in the Bdmntn-XL Invitational in Jakarta from Oct 31- Novr 3, representing different teams – Aaron with Team Hurricanes and Wooi Yik with Team Lightning.
The mixed-field tournament will feature five matches per tie: men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles, and uniquely, a 3v3 format replacing the traditional mixed doubles. The five teams will compete in round-robin matches, with the top two advancing to the final.
With a substantial prize pool of US$1 million, the tournament has attracted elite players past and present, including Viktor Axelsen, Kunlavut Vitidsarn, Lee Yong Dae, and Greysia Polii.
Aaron is thrilled about joining this star-studded event.
"We accepted the invitation as it provides excellent preparation for our final three tournaments of the year," he said.
"It's an innovative format, and I'm genuinely excited about it. Such events should be more frequent, as they bring together top players in a more relaxed setting."
"It's also a unique opportunity for fans to witness exciting doubles combinations featuring players from different countries," he added.
Other Malaysian players invited to the tournament include Chen Tang Jie, Ee Wei, Ong Yew Sin, and Teo Ee Yi.