In the fast-paced world of international badminton, where smashes thunder like drumbeats and defensive rallies turn into mental chess matches, Malaysia’s Aaron Chia and Khai Xing are quietly building something special. While the headlines may often highlight the big-name pairs from Indonesia, China, or Japan, this rising duo is steadily climbing the ranks—focused, determined, and inching ever closer to doubles glory.
Unlike overnight sensations who burst into the limelight with dramatic victories, Aaron and Khai Xing represent a different archetype: the strategic builders. Their approach is methodical, and their commitment unwavering. As they continue their journey through the BWF World Tour and international tournaments, one thing is increasingly clear—momentum is on their side.
A Tale of Two Journeys Merging
Aaron Chia is no stranger to success. A 2022 World Champion alongside Soh Wooi Yik, Aaron’s experience, court intelligence, and calm demeanor are invaluable assets. He has known the sweet taste of gold and the bitter lessons of narrow losses. With years of international exposure under his belt, he brings a strong tactical mind and positional discipline to any pairing.
Khai Xing, on the other hand, is part of a younger wave of Malaysian talent—eager, hungry, and athletic. With impressive agility and a lightning-fast reaction time, his game is built on speed and adaptability. While he might lack the pedigree of his older partner, what he offers in raw potential and work ethic makes him a perfect complement to Aaron.
Their partnership may seem unusual at first glance—pairing an established world-class athlete with a relatively newer face—but Malaysian badminton has always thrived on such strategic pairings. The coaching team at the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) envisioned something promising, and as 2025 unfolds, that promise is beginning to take shape.
Navigating the Early Hurdles
Every new pairing faces its set of challenges—chemistry, communication, rhythm, and trust. In men’s doubles, where quick decision-making and instinctual movement are essential, these factors often make or break a team. For Aaron and Khai Xing, their early outings were less about titles and more about learning each other’s game.
At the Malaysia Open in early 2025, their performance was modest. They made it to the quarterfinals, showcasing bursts of brilliance and stretches of hesitation. Their match against the seasoned Indian duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty was particularly telling. They lost in straight sets, but the margin was narrow. More importantly, they stood toe-to-toe with one of the best pairs in the world.
Aaron’s defensive steadiness acted as a safety net, allowing Khai Xing the freedom to explore aggressive net play and deceptive drops. Although there were occasional lapses in positioning, each match became a lesson, each tournament a classroom.
“It’s about patience,” Aaron commented after their exit from the All England Championships. “We’re not just aiming for short-term results. We’re building something sustainable.”
Signs of Growth Stepping Up in Europe
The turning point in their season came during the 2025 Swiss Open. Unseeded and underestimated, Aaron and Khai Xing stunned higher-ranked opponents in back-to-back matches. Their win against the Danish pair Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen was particularly impactful. Not only did they control the tempo, but they also showed resilience under pressure—a key trait for top-level success.
Khai Xing, who was often seen as the less experienced of the two, rose to the occasion. He began reading opponents better, using sharp drives and cross-court smashes to break defensive walls. His interplay with Aaron also looked more fluid, with rotations happening more naturally and tactical shifts occurring mid-rally.
That semi-final finish in Switzerland earned them crucial ranking points and, more importantly, confidence.
“We’ve started to understand each other’s rhythm,” said Khai Xing. “I’m learning so much from Aaron—not just in terms of skill, but how to think in pressure situations.”
Their upward trajectory continued in Spain, where they reached the finals of the Madrid Masters. Though they lost to the ever-dominant Japanese duo of Hoki and Kobayashi, they pushed the match to a thrilling rubber set. Commentators and fans began to take notice—Malaysia might just have another formidable men’s doubles pairing on the rise.
The Mental Game and Team Dynamic
Physical skill in badminton is crucial, but the mental game often separates the good from the great. For Aaron and Khai Xing, mindset has been a central theme in their development. Aaron’s leadership ensures that they remain grounded, while Khai Xing brings a fresh energy and an eagerness to push boundaries.
Their training sessions at the Academy Badminton Malaysia have reportedly intensified, with special emphasis on court awareness and synchronized movement. According to BAM’s coaching director Rexy Mainaky, this pair has shown exceptional commitment to strategic preparation.
“They watch game footage together, break down patterns, and work with data analysts to fine-tune their approach. That level of preparation is rare and impressive,” said Mainaky.
Additionally, both players have leaned into sports psychology sessions to enhance their focus and manage in-game anxiety. For Khai Xing, who is still adapting to the spotlight, this mental training has been pivotal.
“Sometimes nerves get the best of you when you’re on the world stage,” he said in an interview. “But now I visualize situations before matches. That helps me stay calm and execute better.”
Eyes on Paris and Long-Term Goals
While the immediate target is consistency and a top-10 ranking, there’s a larger dream looming—Paris 2028. With the next Olympic cycle in motion, national selectors and fans alike are hoping that Aaron and Khai Xing continue their upward trajectory.
Their complementary styles give Malaysia something different. Aaron’s veteran guile combined with Khai Xing’s youthful explosiveness creates a blend that can trouble even the most established pairs. With the sport becoming more data-driven and physically demanding, this balance may well be the secret weapon Malaysia needs to challenge for Olympic gold once again.
But the road won’t be easy. The men’s doubles field is arguably the most competitive discipline in international badminton. From the unrelenting Chinese duos to the aggressive Indonesians and strategic Koreans, every tournament is a gauntlet. The key for Aaron and Khai Xing will be maintaining form, avoiding injuries, and continuing to evolve.
Fans and National Hopes
Malaysian fans, known for their passionate support and deep-rooted love for badminton, have begun rallying behind the pair. Social media is awash with praise for their chemistry, and the hashtag #AaronKhaiXing has trended multiple times during their matches.
“There’s something inspiring about them,” said a fan outside Axiata Arena. “Aaron is like a mentor on court, and you can see Khai Xing growing with every match.”
The duo has also become popular for their humility and connection with the community. Both players often take time after matches to greet fans, sign autographs, and share their gratitude. This human element adds to their appeal and reinforces their role as not just athletes, but ambassadors of the sport.
Also Read:
