Kuala Lumpur: The reigning men’s doubles world champions Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik arrived back in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday and received a hero’s welcome at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
Their families, friends, badminton fans, and media were waiting for them at KLIA. The crowd started to cheer, wave, and welcome Chia/Soh as they were approaching the airport’s swinging glass doors at the exit.
Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik press conference at KLIA:
(source: Astro Arena)
Before their arrival, Chia’s wife, Mei Qi, who was waiting with her two children Alvee, 7, and Elisa, 3, said that the world title was indeed one of the main targets of her husband and his partner, Soh Woo Yik.
“I am very happy because he finally got what he wanted. Although he did not say anything before the World Championships, he was indeed aiming for the title,” said Mei Qi.
Mei Qi also told reporters she was excited when Chia/Soh clinched the title.
“I was very moved not because they won the World title, but I know how hard they worked and also they never give up every time they lost,” added Mei Qi.
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, who was at KLIA to welcome Chia/Soh, hinted that there will be more cash prize rewards for Chia/Soh.
“I’ll make sure they are given rewards other than what was offered under the Sports Winning Prize Scheme (SHAKAM) which promises RM20,000 per person,” said Azumu.
Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik press conference at KLIA:
Kejayaan Aaron Chia & Soh Wooi Yik muncul juara Kejohanan Badminton Dunia beri motivasi untuk kejar ranking nombor 1 dunia!#KejohananDunia #BWF pic.twitter.com/9LtDbQXtYE
— ASTRO ARENA (@ASTROARENA) September 1, 2022
(source: Astro Arena)
After becoming the first Malaysians to win a title at the badminton world championships, Chia/Soh admitted the victory has given them the motivation to win more titles at more upcoming tournaments.
“Of course, this success motivates us and gives us the spirit to continue fighting in the next tournament. We hope that one day we can become the number one men’s doubles team in the world,” said Chia when answering questions from the media at KLIA.
“However, it is not an easy thing, we have to work really hard to achieve that,” added Chia.
Chia/Soh will now shift their focus to prepare for the Denmark Open which starts from October 18 to October 23 and the French Open from October 25 to October 30.
As world champions, they automaticly qualified for the BWF World Tour Finals which will take place in Guangzhou, China from December 14 to December 18.
Meanwhile, the victory was also the best gift for Mei Qi and Aaron Chia who will be holding their wedding reception on September 16.
In addition to preparing for the reception, Chia also wanted to take a break to undergo the recovery process following the right shoulder injury he suffered at the World Championships.
