Tokyo Olympics: Malaysia delights in first medal of Games after victory over arch-rivals Indonesia

Name: Tokyo 2020 week one highlights – and which Olympic events could deliver more medals for Hong Kong
Uploaded: 2021-08-01T02:01:28.000Z
Duration: 7 min
Description: Tokyo 2020 week one highlights – and which Olympic events could deliver more medals for Hong Kong

Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik defeat Hendra Setiawan and Mohammad Ahsan in the men’s doubles badminton to snare the bronze medal

The world champions take the opening game 21-17 before their opponents fight back to collect the last two and secure victory

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Malaysia’s Soh Wooi Yik and Aaron Chia celebrate winning their men’s doubles badminton bronze medal match against Indonesia’s Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan. Photo: AFP

Paul Ryding

Published: 10:01am, 1 Aug 2021Updated: 10:30am, 1 Aug 2021

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Malaysia bagged its first medal of Tokyo 2020 on Saturday night as it secured a bronze medal win in the men’s doubles badminton. The victory was all the sweeter as it came at the expense of its fierce rivals in regional sport, Indonesia.

Malaysia’s Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik defeated Hendra Setiawan and Mohammad Ahsan to claim third spot on the podium at the Musashino Forest Sports Plaza in a thrilling back-and-forth encounter.

The world champion duo of Setiawan and Ahsan claimed the first game 21-17 and looked to be on their way to a statement win against their neighbouring nation. But in a thrilling encounter, the Malaysian pair hit back in game two, then snatched victory 21-14 in the deciding game.

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Tokyo 2020 week one highlights – and which Olympic events could deliver more medals for Hong Kong

“We have to give thanks to all the Malaysians, our supporters, coaches, support staff, our association, our families, parents – everything,” Chia said. “Without their support and motivation, we couldn’t be coming to this stage.”