KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s men’s doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi has left nothing to chance as he ramps up preparations for the prestigious All England Open Badminton Championships in Birmingham next month.
The 64-year-old tactician, widely known as the “Fire Dragon,” has taken a hands-on approach by personally overseeing the physical conditioning of the Malaysian men’s doubles squad throughout a three-week intensive training block ahead of the Super 1000 tournament, scheduled from March 3 to 8.
Herry said the current phase of preparation places strong emphasis on physical readiness, including cardiovascular endurance, strength, speed, and agility, alongside close monitoring of individual weaknesses.
“We have already started preparations for the European tour, including the German Open, but our main focus is the All England,” Herry explained. “We have about three weeks, and during this period, physical conditioning is the priority — not just VO2 max, but cardio, strength, speed, and agility.”
“The players are showing good spirit and commitment in training, and that is important heading into a major tournament like this,” he added.
Coach takes direct control of fitness sessions
The former Indonesian national coach, who spent nearly three decades producing world and Olympic champions, revealed that he has decided to personally conduct physical training sessions every Monday and Thursday afternoon.
According to Herry, the move is intended to ensure the players reach peak condition and to allow closer observation of areas that require improvement.
“This program builds on what we already have, but with some additions from me,” he said. “For the All England, throughout these three weeks, I will personally handle the cardio and agility sessions.”
“I want to monitor the players more closely because I can already see where things are lacking and what needs to be strengthened.”
Five Malaysian pairs set for Birmingham challenge
Malaysia will field five men’s doubles pairs at the All England, led by world No. 2
Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik. They will be joined by
Man Wei Chong–Tee Kai Wun (world No. 6), Wan Arif Wan Junaidi–Yap Roy King (No. 18),
Choong Hon Jian–Muhammad Haikal Nazri (No. 33), and Kang Khai Xing–Aaron Tai (No. 35).
Much of the spotlight will fall on Aaron and Wooi Yik, who are widely regarded as Malaysia’s best hope to end the nation’s All England title drought. The pair reached the final in 2019 and again in 2024 but had to settle for runner-up finishes on both occasions.
Herry believes the duo possess all the necessary ingredients to go one step further this time, with the potential for another high-profile final clash against world No. 1 Koreans Kim Won Ho–Seo Seung Jae.
Confidence after narrow Malaysia Open final loss
Reflecting on Aaron and Wooi Yik’s narrow defeat to the Korean pair in the recent Malaysia Open final, Herry said the All England title is well within reach.
“First, we need to see the draw,” he said. “If the rankings hold, Korea are No. 1 and Aaron–Wooi Yik are No. 2, so there’s a chance they could meet again in the final — and there is definitely an opportunity.”
“In the Malaysia Open final, it was very close. There were just two or three points at the end where mistakes happened. Without those, the result could have been different.”
German Open to serve as key warm-up
The Malaysian players will compete in the German Open from February 24 to March 1, which Herry views as an important tune-up event before heading to Birmingham.
While admitting that every coach wants titles at every tournament, Herry acknowledged that the men’s doubles field is particularly competitive at the moment.
“Of course, I want championships in every tournament,” he said candidly. “But honestly, men’s doubles is currently the most competitive discipline.”
“Aside from the Korean pair, I think anyone can beat anyone on a given day. That’s why preparation has to be done properly and thoroughly.”
With physical conditioning now firmly in focus, Malaysia’s men’s doubles will head to the All England aiming not just to compete, but to finally reclaim one of badminton’s most coveted titles.
