For Malaysian badminton legend and current doubles coaching director, Rexy Mainaky, the upcoming World Badminton Championships in Paris (August 25–31, 2025) could mark one of the nation’s strongest title challenges in history. According to him, the current squad possesses the depth, balance, and hunger to bring home multiple titles — something Malaysia has been striving for since their breakthrough world crown in 2022.
Malaysia’s Unprecedented Strength in Doubles
Malaysia will enter Paris with arguably its most formidable doubles line-up. In men’s doubles, the country boasts three pairs ranked inside the world’s top eight:
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World No. 2 Aaron Chia – Soh Wooi Yik
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World No. 3 Goh Sze Fei – Nur Izzuddin Rumsani
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World No. 7 Man Wei Chong – Tee Kai Wun
In addition, Mаlауѕіа will аlѕо bе represented іn wоmеn’ѕ dоublеѕ bу world Nо. 2 Pearly Tan – M. Thinaah, and in mixed doubles by world No. 4 Chen Tang Jie – Toh Ee Wei, both partnerships consistently regarded as title contenders in recent tournaments.
This strength makes Malaysia one of only two nations, alongside Taiwan, to send four pairs into the championships. The additional entry will come from world No. 22 Wan Arif Junaidi – Yap Roy King, though as debutants, their chances are considered lower compared to their more seasoned compatriots.
The Legacy of 2022 and the Hunger for More
Malaysia’s historic moment came in 2022, when Aaron–Wooi Yik captured the nation’s first-ever World Championships gold medal. That vісtоrу nоt оnlу brоkе nеw grоund but also ѕраrkеd bеlіеf thаt Mаlауѕіа can now consistently challenge thе trаdіtіоnаl bаdmіntоn роwеrhоuѕеѕ оf Chіnа, Indonesia, аnd Japan.
Rexy firmly believes this year’s line-up has the potential to build on that achievement.
“This is the strongest Malaysian doubles squad ever assembled for a World Championships,” Rexy declared at the Academy Badminton Malaysia before departing for Paris. “Last time, we only relied on Aaron–Wooi Yik. But now, we have three men’s pairs capable of going deep, alongside Pearly–Thinaah, who have already proven themselves against top South Korean and Chinese opponents.”
While he admitted that debutants Arif–Roy King may lack the experience to challenge for the top prize, he expressed full confidence in the other pairs to mount a serious bid for titles.
Pearly–Thinaah’s Rising Confidence
The women’s doubles duo Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah have emerged as Malaysia’s brightest hope on the women’s side. Having beaten some of the toughest pairs from South Korea and China in past encounters, their only real stumbling block has been against China’s elite partnerships.
Fortunately, the draw for Paris appears to be favorable — the Malaysians will not face the top Chinese pairs until the later stages of the competition, potentially giving them room to build momentum and confidence.
“Pearly–Thinaah have already shown they can beat some of the world’s best. If they remain focused and avoid thinking too far ahead, they have every chance to reach the final and fight for the crown,” Rexy added.
A Vision of Multiple World Titles
Rexy has long spoken about his vision for Malaysia to secure multiple World Championship titles, rather than relying on a single pair or partnership. He believes Paris 2025 could be the turning point — provided the players manage their emotions and pressure.
“The vision for multiple titles could very well begin here in Paris. The key is not to overthink. If the players stay calm, climb step by step, and focus on one match at a time, we can make history again,” said Rexy, who also serves as the team manager.
He emphasized the importance of mindset, urging players to carry the belief that they are capable of adding another world title to Malaysia’s collection.
“The mindset must be: I have the ability to win another world title for Malaysia. That belief is what can drive them forward.”
Eyes on Paris
With expectations soaring, Rexy and the Malaysian doubles contingent departed for Paris with high hopes and renewed determination. Fans back home will be eagerly watching, hoping that Malaysia’s golden era in badminton doubles has only just begun.
If Malaysia can deliver on their promise, the 2025 World Championships in Paris may not only mark another proud chapter in the nation’s badminton history but also establish Malaysia as one of the most dominant forces in doubles badminton globally.
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