PETALING JAYA: Chin Eei Hui’s chances of returning to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) as their mixed doubles coach are looking good.
BAM high performance director Dr Tim Jones feels that Eei Hui is a good candidate but a final decision has not been made yet.
National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky has given his support to Eei Hui but has also been seeking foreign candidates for the last two months since Paulus Firman declined a new contract at the end of April.
“I think Rexy has made it publicly clear that we are speaking to Eei Hui and currently for me, she will be a very good candidate,” said the 40-year-old Jones.
“Hopefully, we can start having some development on this.
“If it is not her, then we have to get someone soon. I hope we can have a decision in the next few weeks.”
Jones said he has been discussing with Rexy on the matter and it appears that the duo may need the green light from the top management in order to rehire Eei Hui.
Eei Hui, who guided Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying to the silver medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics, had served the BAM for seven years and was also named the association’s 2016 coach of the year.
However, her contract was not renewed at the end of 2019 and she has gone on to become the coach of several independent pairs in a set-up established by Peng Soon and Liu Ying.
Peng Soon also returned to the BAM this year and has spoken highly of Eei Hui.
The inclusion of another independent pair in her care, Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing, for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games could also help Eei Hui’s cause.
Rexy has also stated that his search for a mixed doubles coach from abroad has stalled as most coaches are currently committed to their existing contracts.
The mixed doubles squad are currently coached by Paulus’ assistant Teo Kok Siang.
