Misbun testing waters in Thailand as he prepares for new coaching stint

Down memory lane: Misbun Sidek at the Sidek Brothers Exhibition held at the Sultan Alam Shah Museum yesterday. — Utusan

KUALA LUMPUR: Is Thailand set to benefit from Malaysia’s loss?

Datuk Misbun Sidek, who departed from the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) as junior coaching director last August, is now preparing for a new coaching stint in Thailand.

Misbun played an important role in the rise of young national shuttler Justin Hoh, who already has four International Challenge titles under his belt.

But can he recreate his magic up north?

After training three Thai junior players – Nuttanon Maku, Punnatat Prempunpong and Tonkid Saeheng – at Nusa Mahsuri’s training centre at the end of 2023, Misbun recently revealed that he is undergoing a trial coaching phase with the Badminton Association of Thailand (BAT).

The Thai national set-up has churned out top junior players in the past with current world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn claiming three consecutive World Junior Championship titles from 2017 to 2019.

Misbun said he is currently testing the waters in Thailand and is aware of the challenges that lie ahead of him coaching in another country.

‘’This is at the grassroots level, so I have to look at all the aspects on how I can get through to the players so we are aligned on the ideal direction they should be headed,’’ said the 63-year-old at the Sidek Brothers Exhibition held at the Sultan Alam Shah Museum yesterday.

Misbun also emphasised the importance of a good coaching team behind each player.

“Players play, coaches plan. It is not up to the player to dictate which tournament they wish to join or sit out.

“Coaches are the ones who train and keep up with each player’s physical and mental capabilities, they are the ones that should call the shots,’’ said Misbun.

The three-time SEA Games silver medallist added that both players and coaches need to be aligned as tournaments this year will lead up to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

‘’The Olympics are coming up, coaches need to be wise to pick and choose which tournaments players participate in to maximise the chances of them making it to Paris,’’ he said.

The Sidek Brothers Exhibition showcases the achievements and career memorabilia of Misbun and his brothers – Razif, Jalani, Rahman and Rashid. The exhibition is open to the public until the end of April 2024.