In the fiercely competitive world of international badminton, where milliseconds and millimeters separate victory from defeat, the journey from being a promising contender to an outright champion is often paved with immense struggles, resilience, and a guiding force. For Malaysia’s top men’s doubles pair, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, their recent triumph at the prestigious Singapore Open marked more than just a tournament win—it was a resounding declaration of their arrival as a dominant force on the world stage. Central to this transformation has been the steady and impactful mentorship of their coach, Herry Iman Pierngadi, whose guidance has shaped not only their gameplay but their mindset, propelling them from doubt to dominance.
This article explores the journey of Aaron and Soh, the role of Herry’s mentorship, and how this partnership culminated in a spectacular victory in Singapore, signalling a new era for Malaysian badminton.
The Road Before the Lion City Triumph
For many athletes, success is rarely linear. Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik’s path had been peppered with moments of brilliance intertwined with setbacks that tested their resolve. Bursting onto the international scene several years ago, the duo quickly attracted attention with their combination of youthful energy, fast reflexes, and tactical intelligence. However, consistency eluded them. Early exits in big tournaments and injury setbacks led to questions about whether they could ever break through to the elite level dominated by powerhouses from Indonesia, China, Korea, and Japan.
Despite flashes of promise—such as reaching the quarterfinals in some Superseries events and shining in junior competitions—the pair struggled to convert potential into sustained success. Doubts crept in not only from external observers but also within themselves. Would they ever climb to the heights predicted? Or were they destined to be perennially overshadowed by more seasoned pairs?
Enter Herry Iman Pierngadi The Mentor Who Made the Difference
In the midst of these challenges, the Malaysian Badminton Association made a strategic decision that would prove pivotal. Herry Iman Pierngadi, a revered coach with a track record of nurturing world-class doubles pairs, was appointed to mentor Aaron and Soh. Known for his patient yet disciplined approach, Herry had previously coached Olympic and World Championship medalists, bringing invaluable experience and a deep understanding of doubles strategy and psychology.
What set Herry apart was not just his tactical acumen but his holistic approach to coaching. Recognizing that success depended as much on mental strength as physical skill, he emphasized building confidence, resilience, and a positive mindset. His training sessions were rigorous yet supportive, designed to push boundaries while fostering enjoyment and self-belief.
Shifting Mindsets From Pressure to Enjoyment
One of the most profound changes under Herry’s mentorship was in how Aaron and Soh approached competition. Earlier in their careers, the pressure to perform often became a mental hurdle. Mistakes were magnified, and anxiety threatened to undermine their natural game. Herry worked closely with the duo to reframe their perspective—not every match was a do-or-die scenario, but an opportunity to learn and enjoy the sport they loved.
Soh Wooi Yik once described this shift: “Coach Herry taught us that badminton is a game to be enjoyed. When we play with joy rather than fear, our performance improves dramatically. It’s about having the courage to take risks and the resilience to bounce back.”
This mental reframing allowed them to play with greater freedom and fluidity, translating into smarter shot selection, better teamwork, and improved adaptability during matches.
Tactical Evolution Crafting a Winning Style
Beyond mindset, Herry’s coaching revolutionized Aaron-Soh’s tactical approach. Doubles badminton is as much a cerebral game as it is physical. Anticipation, positioning, communication, and synergy are critical. Under Herry’s guidance, the pair refined their playing style to maximize their strengths.
They developed a more aggressive net presence, improving their ability to intercept and control rallies early. Their service and return games became more varied, adding unpredictability to their play. Defensive skills were honed to withstand the power of their opponents’ smashes, while transitions to attack became seamless.
Importantly, Herry encouraged constant analysis of opponents and self-assessment after each match. Using video reviews and strategic discussions, Aaron and Soh learned to exploit opponents’ weaknesses while minimizing their own vulnerabilities.
The Singapore Open A Defining Moment
The 2025 Singapore Open was more than just another tournament—it was a litmus test of Aaron-Soh’s progress under Herry. Facing some of the world’s top pairs, including the formidable South Korean duo Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae, the stage was set for an epic showdown.
The match itself was a rollercoaster. Aaron-Soh lost the first game 15-21, struggling to adjust to the aggressive Korean playstyle. However, their composure, a hallmark of Herry’s mentorship, shone through. Instead of succumbing to pressure, they recalibrated their tactics, improved communication, and steadily clawed back into the match.
The second game saw them edge out a 21-18 win, setting up a nail-biting decider. In the final game, the momentum swung multiple times. The Malaysian duo’s mental resilience and tactical discipline gave them a narrow 21-19 victory, sending waves of joy through their supporters and reaffirming their elite status.
This victory was a testament to their growth, illustrating how the fusion of technical skill, strategic intelligence, and mental toughness, nurtured by Herry’s mentorship, had elevated their game.
Impact Beyond the Court Inspiring a Generation
Aaron-Soh’s success story resonates far beyond the confines of the court. In a country where badminton is a national passion, their rise symbolizes hope and inspiration for aspiring players. Young athletes see in them a blueprint for overcoming adversity through dedication and the right guidance.
Moreover, their open acknowledgment of Herry’s role underscores the importance of mentorship in sports development. It highlights how coaching is not just about drills and tactics but about building character, fostering belief, and empowering athletes to unlock their full potential.
Sustaining Dominance
While the Singapore Open win is a major milestone, Aaron-Soh and Herry know the journey is far from over. The world men’s doubles landscape remains fiercely competitive, with countries continually raising their standards. To sustain dominance, continuous evolution is vital.
Upcoming challenges include maintaining peak physical condition, managing the pressures of expectations, and constantly innovating tactics. The pair must guard against complacency and continue to embrace Herry’s philosophy of learning and adapting.
The Symbiotic Relationship Coach and Players
The relationship between Aaron-Soh and Herry exemplifies a successful coach-athlete dynamic built on mutual respect, trust, and shared goals. Herry’s experience as a player and coach allows him to understand the pressures his athletes face. Meanwhile, Aaron and Soh’s openness to learning and their commitment to improvement make the mentorship effective.
This symbiosis creates a feedback loop of growth, with each success reinforcing confidence and motivation, driving further progress.
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