PETALING JAYA: Nova Widianto was true to his word and arrived early on Thursday (Dec 22) to start a new chapter as the new national mixed doubles coach although the Indonesian’s tenure only begins officially on Jan 1, 2023.
Nova, who arrived at the KL International Airport (KLIA), said he will use the coming days to get to know the players and also meet up with national doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky who has pushed for his appointment as the new mixed doubles supremo.
“All my life as a coach has been with PBSI (All Indonesia Badminton Association) and this is a fresh challenge for me outside my country. But I am up to the challenge,” Nova said upon arrival.
“I want to get in touch with the players and coaches early to make it a smooth transition for me when I start my job next year,” said Nova.
“Rexy had approached me during the World Championships in August but I had to wait until the end of the year due to my contract with PBSI.”
Nova faces an unenviable task of helping the young Malaysian pairs of qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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