PETALING JAYA: Badminton men’s doubles coach Herry Iman Pierngadi believes his charges need to raise their game to stay ahead of their improving rivals.

The likes of China’s Liang Weikeng-Wang Chang, India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty and Indonesia’s new combination Fajar Alfian-Shohibul Fikri have impressed recently, threatening Malaysia’s chances in the already competitive men’s doubles.

Add in the consistency of South Korea’s reigning world champions Seo Seung-jae-Kim Won-ho and Herry’s job has just got tougher.

The Indonesian, who joined the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) in February, acknowledged the tougher task ahead for him as he looks to guide the likes of world No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and world No. 8 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun to more success.

“For me, among all the events, men’s doubles is the most competitive,” said Herry.

“The Koreans have remained consistent this year while pairs from India, China and Indonesia have all improved.

“All the pairs have been taking turns to win titles. As a coach, I need to motivate my players more, analyse our rivals’ strategies and prepare well to face them.”

Paris Olympics silver medallists Weikeng-Wang Chang, who were struggling for form this year, captured their first title of the year in the Hong Kong Open last month.

2022 Asian Games champions Satwiksairaj-Chirag, who have likewise found it tough since the Olympics due to fitness issues, have improved steadily this year and made it into back-to-back finals in the Hong Kong Open and China Masters before settling for runners-up both times.

Seung-jae-Won-ho, meanwhile, are showing no signs of slowing down as they followed up their triumph in the world meet in Paris in August, by claiming the China Masters and Korean Open crowns.

Then there is Herry’s former charges Fajar-Shohibul, who have found a new lease of life together after struggling with their former partners Rian Ardianto and Daniel Marthin respectively,

The duo, who only combined in the Japan Open in July, have reached two finals so far, winning the China Open and finishing second to Seung-jae-Won-ho in the Korean tourney.

Herry will need to use all his experience to help his charges overcome their rivals in tournaments.