KUALA LUMPUR: Badminton legend Datuk Cheah Soon Kit has urged the BA of Malaysia (BAM) to start preparations for the men's doubles event at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics without delay.
The Atlanta 1996 silver medallist believes early groundwork is crucial for Malaysia to mount a serious bid for the elusive Olympic gold in LA.
"BAM should be daring enough to experiment with new combinations involving the younger batch of shuttlers," said Soon Kit.
National coaching director Rexy Mainaky, renowned for his knack for identifying winning combinations, could play a pivotal role in unearthing new pairs.
It was Rexy's foresight in 2006 which brought together Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong, who became world No. 1 and won the 2006 Asian Games title in Doha.
Soon Kit believes Rexy could recreate similar success for LA28 with the right approach.
However, he advised retaining the partnerships of world No. 6 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani (No. 8), who will be in their 30s by 2028, provided they stay motivated and hungry for success.
Many countries have already begun experimenting with fresh combinations following the Paris Olympics in August, added Soon Kit, 56.
"BAM must focus on finding the best combinations to qualify for LA28," he said.
"Young talents like world junior champions Aaron Tai and Kang Khai Xing should start competing regularly on the World Tour to gain valuable experience. BAM can then assess their progress and decide if any reshuffling is necessary.
"We have many talented players. With proper planning, we can aim higher than the bronze won at Paris 2024. If we start now, even gold is possible."
Soon Kit stressed the importance of preparing for the evolving men's doubles landscape, where younger pairs are already emerging as formidable competitors.
"We don't need many combinations — two solid partnerships should suffice. But there must be a clear programme to help these targeted pairs match rivals from China, South Korea, Indonesia, and Denmark," he said.
He added that introducing new pairs could also help seasoned duos like Aaron-Wooi Yik and Sze Fei-Izzuddin maintain their edge.
Besides Aaron-Khai Xing, other young pairs under BAM include world No. 14 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, Choong Hon Jian-Haikal Nazri (No. 19) and Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King (No. 25).