Doubles coach Rosman Razak
PETALING JAYA: Rosman Razak may be guiding one of Malaysia’s top badminton pairs, but the seasoned coach remains remarkably modest about his role in transforming Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah into world-beaters.
Rosman, who turns 50 next February, says he is still learning and evolving despite nearly two decades in the coaching scene.
The six-footer returned to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) in November last year after stints with the Philippines and the professional players, and under his charge, Pearly-Thinaah have enjoyed their finest season yet.
The world No. 2 women’s doubles pair have reached seven finals, winning three titles but their biggest milestone was clinching a historic silver at the World Championships in Paris – the first ever for a Malaysian women’s pair. More than the medals, Pearly-Thinaah have shattered the long-held stigma that women’s doubles were once the ‘‘whipping girls’’ of international badminton, proving they can stand toe-to-toe with the world’s best.
Rosman’s influence, however, stretches beyond results.
He has developed a reputation for elevating the confidence and performances of whoever he works with, from professionals during his time away to earlier stints with BAM before departing in 2020.
He believes communication forms the bedrock of his partnership with Pearly-Thinaah.
“All three of us are free to talk about anything – good or bad,” said Rosman.
“Thanks to Pearly and Thinaah for trusting me. Their belief allows me to implement my methods without hesitation.”
Rosman acknowledges that shuttlers of this era require a different approach.
“It’s no longer just about training programmes. Coaches need to understand what players want, earn their trust, and handle them well. Once that’s right, everything else follows.”
Over the years, Rosman has been shaped by giants of the game such as Rexy Mainaky, Datuk Rashid Sidek, Park Joo-bong and Yap Kim Hock to mention a few and he credits them for moulding his coaching identity.
“I’m just a normal local coach, but I’ve been lucky to work with many great minds. I’ve watched, studied and spoken to them, and from there, built my own identity.
“I’ve coached many world-class players, and I’ve learned from every one of them.”
Rosman, Pearly and Thinaah are often seen together, and many view them as a symbol of One Malaysia – three major races united by sport.
“We don’t see race or colour – we just fight for Malaysia,” he said.
“If others see something positive in that, then that’s good. My hope is that Malaysians support us through the good and the bad.”
He also has a message for aspiring young coaches.
“Keep learning new things and be brave to take risks. That advice is for myself too,” he said.
With rising expectations on Pearly-Thinaah and pressure to develop the second echelon of players, how does Rosman stay grounded?
“Whether we did well or poorly today, there’s always a new day tomorrow,” said Rosman. “Besides, there’s still so much left to achieve. I want to produce Olympic, world and All-England champions.”
But first, Rosman will be out to end this year with a flourish as he prepares Pearly-Thinaah for the SEA Games from Dec 9-20 and World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, China, from Dec 17-21.
