In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of professional badminton, adaptation is not just an asset—it’s a necessity. But for Malaysia’s emerging men’s doubles pair, Wan Muhammad Arif Wan Junaidi and Muhammad Haikal Roy King, the transition under a new coaching philosophy appears to be more of a challenge than anticipated.
Speaking candidly to the media earlier this week, Rexy Mainaky, Malaysia’s Director of Doubles at the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), acknowledged that the young duo is currently struggling to align with the strategic vision and approach of their newly appointed coach, Lee Kyung-hoon, a seasoned tactician from South Korea.
This revelation has ignited discussions within the Malaysian badminton community, raising questions about coaching transitions, player-coach synergy, and the broader developmental trajectory of Malaysia’s next generation of shuttle stars.
Rising Stars With High Hopes
Wan Arif and Roy King, both in their early twenties, were paired by Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) in mid-2023 as part of a strategic plan to build a future-proof men’s doubles team. The decision came after both players showcased promising individual and occasional pairing performances in junior circuits and national tournaments.
Their chemistry was apparent early on: Wan Arif, a powerful rear-court aggressor with a deadly smash, complements Roy King’s deft net control and creative playmaking. By the end of 2024, the pair had reached the semifinals in several International Challenge tournaments and even pulled off upsets against higher-ranked pairs in the Super 300 circuit.
They were beginning to turn heads—not only for their raw skill but for their bold, fast-paced style of play that contrasted with Malaysia’s more traditionally patient doubles game.
A New Chapter A New Philosophy
At the start of 2025, BAM introduced a new coaching structure to re-energize its men’s doubles department. As part of this shake-up, Lee Kyung-hoon, formerly part of South Korea’s coaching staff, was brought in to inject new energy and elevate Malaysia’s competitive edge internationally.
Lee’s coaching philosophy emphasizes structured rally-building, disciplined defense-to-attack transitions, and minimizing unforced errors—a stark contrast from the pair’s natural, instinctive aggression.
According to Rexy, this is where the difficulties began.
“They’re caught in between systems,” Rexy explained. “Wan Arif and Roy King are used to reacting, to going for quick kills. But Lee wants them to think five shots ahead, to control the tempo. It’s a tough adjustment mentally and physically.”
A Rocky Start to the Season
The early signs of this philosophical clash have been evident on court. So far in 2025, the pair has struggled to replicate their late-2024 momentum. Out of five tournaments played this year—including the Thailand Masters, German Open, and Swiss Open—they’ve exited in the first or second rounds in four of them.
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2025 Performance Snapshot
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- Matches Played: 10
- Wins: 3
- Losses: 7
- Average Points per Match: 34.5
- Unforced Errors per Match: 11.8
- Ranking Movement: Dropped from WR #37 to #43
Their losses have often been to unseeded pairs or teams they had previously beaten, leading many to speculate whether the coaching changes have disrupted their rhythm.
Players Caught in Transition
In post-match interviews, the players themselves have acknowledged the challenge. Roy King, typically soft-spoken, admitted after their loss at the German Open:
“It’s difficult. We know what the coach wants, but we haven’t fully connected the dots yet. We’re trying, but it’s not clicking during matches.”
Wan Arif echoed a similar sentiment:
“We’re second-guessing ourselves. Before, we just played. Now, we’re overthinking every shot, every rotation. That’s not how we play best—but we respect the process.”
These comments highlight the psychological toll that coaching transitions can have, especially on younger players still forming their identity on the international stage.
The Role of the Coach: Friend or Force
Lee Kyung-hoon’s appointment was seen as a bold move by BAM, aimed at incorporating the Korean school of discipline and rally durability into Malaysia’s doubles play. Korean doubles pairs have long been admired for their stamina, synchronization, and match-play intelligence.
However, the question remains: is Lee’s structured system suitable for Malaysian players known for flair and improvisation?
Dr. Jerome Mah, a sports psychologist who has worked with athletes in Asia, believes adaptation requires time—but not blind compliance.
“Players must understand the philosophy, not just execute commands. If they can’t internalize the new system, their performance suffers. The coach’s job is to tailor the philosophy to fit the players—not just force a mold.”
This balance between innovation and flexibility could be the key to unlocking the potential of Wan Arif and Roy King.
Rexy’s Balancing Act
As the head of doubles, Rexy is now tasked with managing this delicate situation. Himself a former Olympic champion, he understands both the value of discipline and the importance of individuality.
“I’ve spoken to both players and Coach Lee. There’s no conflict—just confusion. We’re looking into ways to smooth the transition, maybe with more one-on-one sessions, maybe easing into the system more gradually.”
Rexy also emphasized that the coaching staff is not giving up on the pair, reiterating BAM’s long-term commitment to developing them into world-class contenders.
“We see a future with them. They have talent. But development is not always linear.”
What Needs to Happen Next
To stabilize their performance, analysts suggest a three-pronged approach:
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Customized Training Modules
Rather than applying the same system across all pairs, BAM could develop personalized training routines that blend player strengths with philosophical elements.
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Match Simulation with Feedback Loops
Simulating real-match scenarios with live feedback could help the players implement the new strategies without the pressure of actual competition.
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Mental Coaching and Visualization
Incorporating sports psychology can help the pair overcome hesitation and build confidence in their new roles.
Not the First Time Malaysia Faces This
Malaysia has seen similar transitions before. The legendary pair of Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong also faced strategic stagnation in the latter part of their career due to resistance toward coaching changes. Meanwhile, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik—current top-ranked Malaysian pair—struggled initially under foreign guidance but found their rhythm through a hybrid approach that respected their strengths.
“Every player is different. You can’t clone champions,” said Hafiz Hashim, a former Malaysian singles star. “You nurture them.”
Fan Support and Pressure
The Malaysian badminton fan base is famously passionate—and at times, impatient. While many support the pair, some have begun voicing concerns on social media about whether a reshuffle or even a split might help.
But badminton isn’t like a video game—chemistry takes time. And both players remain steadfast in their desire to succeed together.
“We’re not thinking of changing partners. We want to grow as a team,” said Roy King firmly.
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