Rashid considers BAM return

Rashid Sidek (left) having a word with Lee Chong Wei at the World Championships in Guangzhou.

PETALING JAYA: Coach Rashid Sidek is all set to make a quick comeback to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) set-up.

The former Thomas Cup champion tendered his resignation as national singles coach on Sept 19, citing the uncomfortable working environment in BAM.

The situation turned even worse when BAM president Tengku Tan Sri Mahaleel Tengku Ariff claimed that Rashid had breached his contract by signing another contract with Delhi Smashers, an Indian Badminton League (IBL). It is learnt the BAM might take legal action against Rashid.

But Tengku Mahaleel has since softened his stance after a six-hour meeting with the other national coaches on Monday. He also announced the launching of Project Win-Win. Under the programme, there is now only one national team with all the coaches back in their original positions.

The 45-year-old Rashid, a bronze medallist at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, was in jovial mood, chatting and joking with the other national coaches – Tey Seu Bock, Rosman Razak and Hendrawan – at Juara Stadium on Tuesday.

“Returning to BAM as a coach is still an open option for me and I may still consider it,” said Rashid.

“Having served for 10 years, obviously I feel sad to part ways. If there is a possibility of coming back, I will consider it.

“I’m not interested in politicking. Coaching the players is where my heart and soul is.

“But BAM must come to their own decisions first. So far, there is no arrangement for me to meet them yet.

“Today I am just here to meet my former colleagues, to catch up and get some input from them.

“From what I can see is that at least all the coaches are happier and smiling and this Project Win-Win is clearer in terms of objectives and the coaches’ role,” concluded Rashid.