As Malaysia continues its pursuit of badminton excellence, national doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky has once again emphasized a timeless truth — talent and skill alone are never enough at the highest level. His latest message, directed at men’s doubles duo Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun, is clear and firm: staying fit and injury-free is the foundation for sustaining world-class performance.
With the pair now sitting among the top five in the world rankings, their success story has become one of Malaysia’s proudest recent achievements. Yet, Rexy’s reminder underscores the delicate balance between form, fitness, and longevity that defines elite badminton careers. As the season intensifies and tournaments pile up, maintaining physical and mental freshness could be the key difference between fleeting brilliance and lasting legacy.
A Partnership Forged Through Consistency and Chemistry
Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun’s rise in world badminton has been anything but accidental. Since joining forces in 2019, the pair have steadily grown from promising prospects into genuine world contenders. Their synergy on court — Wei Chong’s stability and defensive mastery paired with Kai Wun’s explosiveness and attacking flair — has become a hallmark of Malaysia’s doubles identity.
Their breakthrough came during the 2023 season, where they clinched the Taipei Open, reached several semi-finals on the BWF World Tour, and earned consistent victories over higher-ranked opponents. The momentum carried into 2024, when the duo began to establish themselves among the world’s elite, breaking into the top 10 and, eventually, into the top five — a rare accomplishment for a Malaysian men’s doubles pair outside of the famous Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik tandem.
Yet even as the accolades poured in, Rexy — a former Olympic gold medallist himself — remained focused on long-term sustainability.
“They’ve proven that they can play at the top level,” Rexy told reporters recently. “But to stay there, it’s not just about skill or tactics anymore. It’s about body maintenance, discipline, and mental endurance. The schedule is brutal — if you’re not physically strong, the ranking will drop faster than you think.”
The Physical Toll of Modern Badminton
Modern badminton has evolved into one of the most physically demanding racket sports in the world. Players now compete in longer rallies, faster exchanges, and increasingly compressed tournament schedules. With events running almost every week across continents, maintaining peak condition is as challenging as winning itself.
For doubles specialists like Wei Chong and Kai Wun, the load is particularly intense. Their game style — built around lightning reflexes, rapid transitions, and full-court coverage — requires not just stamina but explosive bursts of power and unrelenting agility.
Sports science experts from the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have identified injury prevention as a top priority for the duo. In 2022 and 2023, both players suffered minor setbacks — knee strains, shoulder stiffness, and lower-back issues — which forced them to withdraw from certain tournaments. Though they recovered well, Rexy insists that staying proactive is crucial.
“We can’t afford recurring injuries,” Rexy stressed. “They’re not just players; they’re Malaysia’s hopes for the next generation. Fitness is not just about being able to play — it’s about being able to sustain excellence throughout the year.”
He pointed to world-class pairs like Liang Wei Keng-Wang Chang (China) and Satwik-Chirag (India), whose rise has been built not only on skill but also on superior conditioning. “They’re always sharp, always ready,” Rexy said. “That’s where I want Wei Chong and Kai Wun to reach — that same level of readiness, week in and week out.”
Building the Foundation Training with Purpose
Under BAM’s enhanced training program, Wei Chong and Kai Wun’s daily routine is meticulously planned. Their schedule now integrates specialized fitness sessions, physiotherapy, and nutritional monitoring alongside technical drills.
Mornings typically start with strength and conditioning — focusing on explosive leg movements, balance, and shoulder stability. In the afternoons, the emphasis shifts to on-court strategy, honing rotations, defensive formations, and attack transitions.
“Before, we used to train just to play better,” said Wei Chong in a recent interview. “Now, we train to stay better. It’s about protecting our bodies while improving our game.”
Meanwhile, Tee Kai Wun highlighted how much attention is paid to recovery — a crucial but often overlooked element. “After training, we spend time on ice baths, stretching, and physiotherapy. Sometimes it feels tiring, but we know it’s what keeps us going.”
Their commitment has earned praise from BAM’s sports science unit. According to the department’s head, both players have shown improved endurance, with faster recovery times and reduced muscle fatigue indicators compared to last year.
The Rexy Standard Demanding but Fair
Rexy Mainaky’s reputation as a tough but fair mentor precedes him. Known for his intensity and tactical sharpness, the Indonesian legend brings not only experience but also a relentless standard of professionalism to Malaysia’s doubles division.
Having once ruled the badminton world himself — winning Olympic gold in 1996 with Ricky Subagja — Rexy understands what it takes to sustain success. His message to his protégés is both motivational and cautionary.
“I always tell them: reaching the top five is easy compared to staying there,” he said. “When you’re in the top 20, you’re chasing others. When you’re in the top five, everyone is chasing you. That’s when the pressure is highest.”
He often reminds them that opponents now study their every move. Small tactical details become magnified. Fatigue or complacency, even for a single match, can cost valuable ranking points.
“Top players like Aaron and Soh, or Japan’s Hoki-Kobayashi, know how to manage this — they plan their peaks, rest properly, and time their form for the big events. That’s the mindset I want Wei Chong and Kai Wun to adopt.”
Balancing Power and Patience
What makes the Wei Chong–Kai Wun pair so effective is their balance of attributes. Wei Chong provides steadiness at the back and clarity in shot construction, while Kai Wun thrives at the net — intercepting drives and applying relentless pressure. Their contrast in personality, too, adds to their chemistry: Wei Chong is analytical and calm; Kai Wun is fiery and instinctive.
Yet Rexy has cautioned them to continue refining their patience. In recent matches, particularly in the later rounds of big tournaments, the duo has occasionally struggled with maintaining composure during tight situations.
“They have the weapons,” Rexy noted, “but sometimes they want to finish points too quickly. Against world-class pairs, you must be willing to rally, wait, and build. The key is discipline — knowing when to attack and when to defend.”
This lesson, Rexy believes, is directly tied to mental fitness, which goes hand in hand with physical conditioning. “When your body is strong, your mind stays calm,” he explained. “If you’re tired, you make wrong decisions. That’s why fitness is not just about the body — it’s about the mind too.”
Managing Tournament Fatigue
With the BWF World Tour calendar expanding, player fatigue has become a pressing issue. In 2025 alone, top pairs may play up to 15 major tournaments, not including national events, training camps, and international commitments.
To mitigate burnout, Rexy and BAM have implemented load management protocols, allowing players to skip minor tournaments to focus on recovery. For Wei Chong and Kai Wun, this means carefully selecting events that balance ranking points with rest.
“They can’t play everything,” Rexy explained. “Sometimes, resting is as important as training. A tired body means slow reactions, and in doubles, half a second makes all the difference.”
The duo has embraced this pragmatic approach. “We used to feel guilty for withdrawing,” said Kai Wun. “Now we understand it’s strategic. You have to listen to your body.”
This philosophy mirrors what many top international athletes now practice — prioritizing longevity over short-term gain.
The Inspiration Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik
As compatriots, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik have set the benchmark for Malaysian men’s doubles excellence. Olympic bronze medallists and world champions, they’ve shown that Malaysian pairs can not only compete but also triumph on the biggest stages.
Rexy has encouraged Wei Chong and Kai Wun to draw inspiration — not comparison — from them. “They train together, they push each other,” Rexy said. “That’s healthy. Malaysia needs more than one strong pair if we want to win the Thomas Cup or major team events.”
Wei Chong agrees. “Aaron and Soh are like big brothers to us. We watch how they handle pressure, how they recover, how they plan their matches. They’ve taught us that being professional isn’t just about playing; it’s about managing your entire lifestyle.”
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