PETALING JAYA: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have confirmed that they are in the process of recruiting another coach to further strengthen the national men’s doubles squad.
BAM secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh said the current number of men’s doubles coaches is not proportional to the number of players in the national camp, especially given the intense competition among them.
Following a request from national doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky, BAM are reviewing several candidates, including former assistant coach Chang Kim Wai (pic), who was interviewed by the association last Friday for the position.
At present, the men’s doubles squad are headed by chief coach Herry Iman Pierngadi, assisted by Muhd Mikftakh.
The squad currently comprise 22 players, excluding those in the junior ranks.
“I can confirm that there was a request from Rexy to add another coach, and we are currently in the process of interviewing several candidates. Once the process is completed, we will make an announcement.
“In terms of the ratio between players and coaches, you know how many pairings we have, and we really need the additional support. The request was made by Rexy and has been considered by BAM, but nothing has been finalised yet,” said Kenny.
Out of the 10 pairs in the national camp, three are currently ranked among the world’s top 20 – led by world No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, followed by Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun (No. 7) and Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King (No. 20).
Last Friday, former national player Kim Wai made a surprise appearance at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM), not only to visit his former mentor Rexy but also to discuss the assistant coach position with BAM.
