KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s number one men’s doubles pair, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, are stepping up their game ahead of the Paris Olympic Games by requesting additional nighttime training sessions.
Following a three-day motivational camp in Penang led by psychologist Frederick Tan, Aaron and Wooi Yik are eager to elevate their game.
The camp aimed to bring them back to peak form, and it appears to have done wonders.
Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) coaching director Rexy Mainaky is particularly pleased with their progress, crediting the intensive mental coaching sessions with Frederick.
Speaking to Scoop, Rexy said he has agreed to arrange these additional training sessions, despite needing discussions with ABM management due to evening court rentals to the public.
These sessions will also include women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, and Olympic debutant mixed doubles duo Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei.
“We already have plans for night training sessions, as requested by the players. Perhaps every two or three days,” Rexy said when met at the academy in Bukit Kiara today.
“All players heading to the Olympics will participate, and we will decide the training times.”
These sessions will help players adjust to the time difference in France, however, Rexy has taken precautions to ensure they don’t burden them excessively and risk injuries.
He also praised Wooi Yik’s decision to stay at the academy dorms until their departure for Paris, allowing him to focus fully on preparations.
“After the Singapore Open, Wooi Yik decided, after discussing with coach (Tan Bin Shen), to stay at ABM until we depart for Paris.
“For me, this is a positive decision, which he finally realised he needs time to focus on the Olympic Games, especially training sessions.
“Perhaps if he stays outside, there will be many distractions, but if he stays here, he will be more calm. I can see he already looks different,” he added.
Additionally, Rexy revealed that several players will travel to Paris as sparring partners, including Haikal Nazri, Goh Boon Zhe, Choong Hon Jian, Goo Pei Kee, Teoh Mei Xing, and four players from Indonesia to assist Pearly and Thinaah. – June 19, 2024