Call Ong Beng Hee a coach from now

Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia president Huang Ying How with ex-player Ong Beng Hee (right) at the Malaysian Tour Squash Circuit 2015 in Bukit Jalil last week. - FAIHAN GHANI/The Star.

PETALING JAYA: Ong Beng Hee is moving on to the next stage of his career – as a coach with the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM).

The 35-year-old Beng Hee, a two-time Asian Games gold medallist, began his new job two weeks ago.

The Penangite, who was once ranked as high as No. 7 in the world, has been tasked with changing the fortunes of under-performing elite player Ivan Yuen as well as coaching the juniors at the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS).

Beng Hee will also be involved in the Podium Programme, which is expected to be launched in July.

With Singapore also showing keen interest in hiring the vastly experienced Beng Hee as a coach, SRAM quickly got Beng Hee on board with an initial six-month contract.

“Players like Ivan, Sanjay Singh Chal, Mohd Addeen Idrakie and even youngsters like Mohd Syafiq Kamal and Ng Eain Yow will benefit under Beng Hee’s guidance,” said SRAM president Huang Ying How.

“Still, Beng Hee has to take his coaching certificates – all three levels of it. But I feel he has the potential to be a very good coach because he is a very intelligent person. He is our most successful men player, that’s why we are giving him this opportunity.”