Herry IP to Aaron-Wooi Yik: Discipline, drive key to glory

KUALA LUMPUR: New national men's doubles coach Herry IPAaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik achieve their biggest dreams — including winning gold at the Asian Games and Olympic Games.

Former world champions Aaron-Wooi Yik have set their sights on titles at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

While they have yet to win World Tour titles regularly, they have consistently performed at major tournaments.

Their biggest triumph came in 2022 when they became world champions, followed by back-to-back Olympic bronze medals at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, as well as a bronze at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games.

"So far, we have finished on the podium in multi-sport events but never won a gold medal. We hope Herry can help us achieve our objectives," said Wooi Yik recently.

Herry is determined to make that dream a reality.

"I will definitely help them realise their goal of winning at the Olympics and the Asian Games. Not only that, but I will also help them win whichever major titles they have yet to capture," said Herry upon his arrival at KLIA, Sepang, on Thursday.

"However, they need to be disciplined and motivated to achieve those goals. They must become an all-round pair and continue working hard."

Herry highlighted that discipline and motivation were the hallmarks of his former Indonesian Olympic champions, including Candra Wijaya-Tony Gunawan and Markis Kido-Hendra Setiawan, as well as world-class combinations such as Markus Fernaldi Gideon-Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo and Fajar Alfian-Rian Ardianto.

He also pointed out that Hendra was able to play until 40 with partner Mohammad Ahsan, 37, due to their passion and drive to extend their careers.

The pair retired after the recent Indonesia Masters in Jakarta.

"These attributes were behind the success of Indonesia's top pairs. Without discipline, no pair can go far, and they must have the passion and drive to achieve success," added Herry.

"I expect the same attitude from the national men's doubles players."

Although Herry officially starts his role on Saturday, he wasted no time visiting the national training centre — Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) — on Friday to meet the players and familiarise himself with the training facilities.

Herry had already met Aaron-Wooi Yik, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King and Aaron Ta-Kang Khai Xing during the Indonesia Masters.

The veteran coach's eagerness is welcome news for Aaron-Wooi Yik and their teammates, as help is arriving swiftly to push them towards their title ambitions.

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