Malaysia’s badminton team seeks revenge and a first men’s team gold in 20 years against Indonesia in the Thailand SEA Games final tomorrow.
MALAYSIA’S quest for a badminton gold medal at the Thailand SEA Games 2025 advances to the men’s team final against Indonesia tomorrow.
The national squad aims for revenge after a 1-3 loss to Indonesia in the previous edition’s final and to end a 20-year gold medal drought.
Malaysia last won the men’s team badminton gold at the 2005 SEA Games in the Philippines.
The team’s strength is anchored by world champions and world number two pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik.
They are supported by world number five duo Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, who are expected to deliver crucial points.
Indonesia’s threat lies with world number eight pair Sabar Karyaman Gutama and his partner.
The Indonesian pair hold favourable head-to-head records against both Malaysian pairs.
National men’s doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi admitted Aaron-Wooi Yik have yet to reach their true level.
“This was their first match in a month after taking a break from tournaments,” he said.
Herry urged Wei Chong-Kai Wun to remain calmer in the final and avoid rushing for points.
He acknowledged the daunting task of facing his home country, noting Indonesia’s strength appears evenly matched.
“However, in any competition anything can happen, because the favourite also carry a little pressure,” Herry said.
Malaysia’s men’s singles camp faces an uphill battle to contribute points against Indonesia.
Top hope Leong Jun Hao is expected to open the final against Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan.
Farhan holds an advantage after beating Jun Hao in their first encounter at the 2025 Korea Open.
The team will also bank on the positive momentum of the reliable Justin Hoh.
The form of professional shuttler Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin remains uncertain as he has yet to feature.
National men’s singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen hopes his players display strong determination.
“It will be a true test on many levels for the singles shuttlers and our team in general,” he told Bernama.
The Thailand SEA Games 2025 officially kicked off today at the Rajamangala National Stadium.
The games will run until December 20 across Bangkok and Chonburi.
