Malaysia’s men’s doubles players will face fierce competition for places at the 2026 Asian Games after national head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi confirmed that only two pairs will be selected for the team event in Aichi-Nagoya.
Unlike the Thomas Cup, where countries are allowed to field three doubles pairs, the Asian Games format permits only two combinations. The restriction means every pair in the national setup will need to consistently deliver strong performances over the coming months to secure a place in the squad.
Herry said selection will be based primarily on current form and results in major tournaments, including the World Championships and selected World Tour events. He stressed that reputation alone will not guarantee a spot.
The coach explained that the battle for selection remains open, with established pairs and younger combinations all still in contention. Rising players such as Wan Arif Wan Junaidi and Yap Roy King could still force their way into consideration if they produce consistent performances at international level.
At the same time, the coaching staff is carefully managing players’ physical condition ahead of the packed competition schedule. Herry revealed that injury prevention and recovery plans are being closely monitored, especially for key players expected to compete regularly throughout the season.
The team is also expected to take a more selective approach to tournament participation rather than entering every available event. Competitions in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia are among those being prioritised depending on each player’s fitness and preparation programme.
The 2026 Asian Games will take place in Nagoya from Sept 19 to Oct 4, with Malaysia aiming to send its strongest possible men’s doubles combinations to challenge for medals.
