Malaysia announces badminton squad for Asian Games 2026
Badminton events at the Asian Games 2026 are scheduled from September 20-29 in Aichi-Nagoya.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) announced their squad for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with the team competition scheduled from September 20 to 24, followed by individual events from September 25 to 29 at the Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium.
Malaysia will field strong contingents across both categories as the country looks to build on its badminton legacy at Asia’s biggest multi-sport event, which returns to Japan after previous editions on Chinese soil.
The Asian Games badminton competition has historically been dominated by China, Indonesia, Korea, and Japan, making it a challenging tournament for Malaysia to navigate. However, the country’s strong doubles tradition, particularly in men’s doubles, gives it realistic medal prospects heading into Aichi-Nagoya.
Malaysia’s men’s team features Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh leading the singles charge, supported by Eogene Ewe and Kong Wei Xiang. The doubles department is well stocked with Aaron Chia/Tee Kai Wun and Goh Sze Fei/Nur Izzuddin Rumsani forming strong combinations, while Chen Tang Jie and Goh Soon Huat add further depth to the squad.
On the women’s side, Malaysia’s team includes K Letshanaa and Wong Ling Ching in singles, alongside Oo Shan Zi and Eng Ler Qi. In doubles, Pearly Tan/M Thinaah lead the challenge, joined by Low Zi Yu/Noraqilah Maisarah Ramdan, with Cheng Su Yin and Shevon Lai completing the women’s contingent.
Notably absent from Malaysia’s squad is Lee Zii Jia, the Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist and former All England champion.
The independent shuttler has endured a difficult 2026 season marked by injury setbacks and inconsistent form, seeing his world ranking slip significantly before showing signs of revival with a strong showing at the Thomas Cup Finals in Denmark.
Despite this rise, Lee’s continued struggles on the individual circuit, including failing to qualify for the BWF World Championships, appear to have been a reason behind his exclusion from the Asian Games squad.
Individual events squad
For the individual competition, Malaysia named Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh in men’s singles, while K. Letshanaa and Wong Ling Ching will compete in women’s singles.
The men’s doubles pairing of Goh Sze Fei/Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and Aaron Chia/Tee Kai Wun will spearhead Malaysia’s doubles challenge, while Pearly Tan/M Thinaah and Low Zi Yu/Noraqilah Maisarah Ramdan represent the women’s doubles category.
In mixed doubles, Goh Soon Huat/Shevon Lai and Chen Tang Jie/Cheng Su Yin will carry Malaysia’s hopes in what promises to be a highly competitive discipline against Asia’s best pairs.
The squad selection reflects a mix of experienced campaigners and rising talent. Aaron Chia and Goh Sze Fei bring a proven doubles pedigree at the highest level, having competed at major BWF tournaments throughout the season.
Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan similarly headline the women’s doubles as one of Malaysia’s most consistent pairs on the international circuit.
Malaysia’s Asian Games 2026 squad
Team Event (September 20-24)
Men’s Team: Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh, Eogene Ewe, Kong Wei Xiang, Aaron Chia, Tee Kai Wun, Goh Sze Fei, Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, Chen Tang Jie, Goh Soon Huat.
Women’s Team: K Letshanaa, Wong Ling Ching, Oo Shan Zi, Eng Ler Qi, Pearly Tan, M Thinaah, Low Zi Yu, Noraqilah Maisarah Ramdan, Cheng Su Yin, Shevon Lai.
Individual Event (September 25-29)
- Men’s Singles: Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh
- Women’s Singles: K Letshanaa, Wong Ling Ching
- Men’s Doubles: Goh Sze Fei/Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, Aaron Chia/Tee Kai Wun
- Women’s Doubles: Pearly Tan/M Thinaah, Low Zi Yu/Noraqilah Maisarah Ramdan
- Mixed Doubles: Goh Soon Huat/Shevon Lai, Chen Tang Jie/Cheng Su Yin
With the tournament running across both team and individual formats over a ten-day window from September 20 to 29, Malaysia’s shuttlers will have multiple opportunities to secure podium finishes at what remains one of the most prestigious continental multi-sport events in Asian badminton.
When will Asian Games 2026 start?
The Asian Games 2026 will begin on September 19 and run until October 4, 2026.
When will badminton events take place at the Asian Games 2026?
Badminton events at the Asian Games 2026 are scheduled from September 20-29 in Aichi-Nagoya.
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Ansh is a sports content creator and aspiring data scientist with a focus on Olympic sports like badminton and chess. A state-level badminton player and 1900+ rated chess enthusiast, his content has been reshared by top athletes including HS Prannoy and Vidit Gujrathi. Follow Ansh for the latest updates on your favorite sports!