My mentor: Vountus with Datuk Misbun Sidek.
PETALING JAYA: New place, new vibes and new goals.
Those are the thoughts of coach Vountus Indra Mawan as he embarks on the next chapter of his coaching career.
Vountus, who was the head coach for the Under-18 doubles shuttlers and also Datuk Misbun Sidek’s assistant in the junior department, has resigned from the Badminton Association Malaysia (BAM) and Tuesday was his last day.
Vountus left for Australia yesterday and will become the head coach of Badminton Victoria and the national head coach’s assistant starting tomorrow.
Vountus has mixed feelings about his departure but believes it was the best choice for him.
“I felt reluctant and sad because I was a BAM player before becoming a coach,” said the 34-year-old Sabahan.
“From growing up with the players to seeing them achieve big things and now no longer being a part of the team.
“But I have to accept it because coaches need to have ambitions and goals to improve ourselves.
“I decided to leave because I want to gain more experience and knowledge about sports culture and development in other countries.
“I believe my five-year stint in BAM will bring a significant impact and change for the Australian players,” added Vountus.
Vountus was in the high performance team where he guided Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun from 2017-19 before working together with Mohd Haikal Nazri-Wan Arif Wan Junaidi, Bryan Jeremy Goonting-Choi Jian Sheng, Mohd Fazriq Razif-Wong Vin Sean and Justin Hoh in the development squad from 2020-22.
Vountus has only good words to say about his experience in BAM and believes that Misbun has shaped him into the coach he is today.
“The best memory is seeing them become top players and achieve their dreams.
“Not to forget that working with all of the best coaches, legends, BAM’s management and sports science team with good facilities was also part of the good memories.
“He (Misbun) is my mentor, the person who brought out my best potential in order for me to become who I am now.
“He is not only good at coaching but also at grooming coaches to be the best in their profession,” Vountus said.
