Soon Kit’s the man for BAM to revive doubles fortunes

Former national doubles coach Cheah Soon Kit giving instructions to his players Chin Eei Hui (left) and Wong Pei Tty in a tournament.

KUALA LUMPUR: Cheah Soon Kit is the “chosen one” to revive the fortunes of the national men’s doubles players.

The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have decided to offer the former national men’s doubles ace a coaching role.

This was confirmed by BAM acting president Tan Sri Mohd Al-Amin Abdul Majid after chairing an exco meeting here on Wednesday.

BAM hope the 47-year-old Soon Kit will help strengthen their coaching set-up. Soon Kit had previously served as the women’s doubles coach for seven years before leaving the national body in December 2007.

Al-Amin said that BAM technical director Morten Frost would finalise the terms of Soon Kit’s appointment next week.

Frost is away looking for a suitable centralised training venue for next year’s Olympics Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“Frost has recommended Soon Kit and the coaching committee agreed that he’s the right man for the job,” said Al-Amin.

“His arrival will help strenghten the current coaching set-up. He has the experience and ability to help raise the standard of our doubles shuttlers.

“We’ll leave it to Frost to handle further discussions with Soon Kit when he returns next week.

“We certainly want Soon Kit to start as soon as possible.”

Soon Kit, who won a silver medal with Yap Kim Hock at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, is clearly excited to be back in the BAM fold after eight years.

Soon Kit, who runs an online shopping site, confirmed that he was approached by BAM, but said he is still waiting for an official letter.

Under Soon Kit’s guidance, the women’s doubles players – especially Chin Eei Hui and Wong Pei Tty – achieved great breakthroughs.

Ee Hui-Pei Tty won gold medals at the 2005 Manila SEA Games and 2006 Commonwealth Games before going on to become the world No. 1 late in their career.

“I’d like to thank BAM for their trust in me. I’ll meet Morten and the other BAM officials to finalise the contract next week,” said Soon Kit.