Lee Wei counts on giantkillers Qi Shen-Javen to spring surprises at Asiad

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Wong Qi Shen and Choong Javen have been selected to represent their country in the men’s doubles and singles table tennis events at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan after an eight-year hiatus. Their recent victory over the world’s second-ranked doubles team at the Commonwealth Championships has positioned them as strong contenders, although they face stiff competition from dominant Asian teams.

After an eight-year absence, national table tennis players Wong Qi Shen and Choong Javen have been named to represent their country at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The duo is set to compete together in the men’s doubles event on Wednesday, followed by individual matches in the men’s singles starting Thursday.

National coach Beh Lee Wei highlighted the pair’s extensive international experience as a key asset ahead of the tournament. “They’ve faced many higher-ranked players at international tournaments over the past year,” Lee Wei said, adding that these encounters have bolstered their confidence and prepared them for the high level of competition expected at the Sky Hall Toyota venue.

The selection of Wong and Choong comes on the back of a significant victory last month at the Commonwealth Championships in New Delhi. There, the top-ranked national doubles team defeated the world number two pair from India, Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah, to claim the title. This achievement secured their spot at the Asian Games, positioning them as a potential threat to established powerhouses in the sport.

Lee Wei expressed cautious optimism about their chances but acknowledged the strength of traditional Asian table tennis leaders such as China, Japan, South Korea, and Chinese Taipei. “The competition will be tough, but we will focus on our own performance,” the coach said. “Either way, it’s a valuable experience that will only help them improve their game.”

In the men’s singles draw, 23-year-old Wong Qi Shen is set to face ninth seed Manush Shah, one half of the Indian duo they recently defeated. Meanwhile, 25-year-old Choong Javen will meet Macau’s Zheng Hong Wai in his opening round.

In the doubles event, Wong and Choong received a first-round bye. They will play either Qatar’s pair of Sultan Al-Kuwari and Ahmed Korani or Mongolia’s Temuulen Myandal and Bilguun Ankhbayar in the second round.

The national table tennis team will be aiming to build on recent successes as they navigate a highly competitive field at the Asian Games starting this week.

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