Greener pastures: Misbun Sidek is excited and anxious ahead of his first coaching stint outside Malaysia.
PETALING JAYA: Datuk Misbun Sidek has spent a lifetime shaping badminton champions at home. Now, the legendary coach is ready to share his craft on a new stage in India.
At 65, Misbun has shown that age is merely a number after seizing a rare opportunity to coach abroad for the first time with a top professional club.
He will join them under a flexible arrangement that will see him spend alternate months in India, sharing his vast knowledge with the academy’s players.
The set-up suits Misbun, who described the agreement as a friendly collaboration between both parties.
“I can’t disclose which club it is right now, but I’m going to India – my first coaching stint outside of Malaysia,” said Misbun.
Currently, India’s two leading professional clubs in India are Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy in Bengaluru and Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad.
Prakash’s set-up boasts several top names, including US Open champion Ayush Shetty and Australian Open winner Lakshya Sen recently while in Gopichand’s academy, the top players include H.S. Prannoy and K. Srikanth.
If Misbun joins Prakash, it would mark a reunion of sorts between two icons of the 1980s era.
Misbun admitted to feeling both excited and anxious ahead of his first coaching stint outside Malaysia.
“India have been persistent in wanting me to coach. In fact, several other countries have also asked me to join them,” said Misbun.
The veteran coach, who stepped away from the Badminton Association of Malaysia coaching set-up three years ago, said this particular opportunity finally resonated with him.
“This club have won my heart because I like the arrangement we have made. I also sought permission from my club, Nusa Mahsuri, and received the blessing of their president Datuk Seri Jalani Sidek,” he said.
Misbun, who will depart for India on Jan 31, stressed that his role is not to overhaul players but to enhance what is already there.
“They already have top and established players. I’m not going there to change them or the culture, but like a bonsai plant, I want to make it look even better.
“There will be some trimming and adjustments. I will simply pour in my knowledge and years of experience.”
Despite his illustrious track record, Misbun sees the stint as a learning journey too.
“Over the years, I have produced three world No. 1 players – Rashid Sidek, Roslin Hashim and Lee Chong Wei.
“People look up to me here, but this is a new journey for me. I want to see where I stand as a coach on a different stage. I will have to translate my knowledge into English instead of Malay. I want to be as accurate as possible in guiding them.
“I’ve never seen skin colour during my playing or coaching career, and that will not change. My passion is the game, and my objective is to teach as much as I know.”
Misbun said his motivation remains undiminished.
“I’m excited. I’m still in good health and I have the time to invest, so why not share what I know with those who truly want it?”
With Misbun spreading his wings, he becomes the third coach from the Nusa Mahsuri stable to venture abroad in recent times, following Hafiz Hashim and Roslin.
Hafiz spent nearly five years in India before moving to Egypt last year, while Roslin recently took up a role in Saudi Arabia.
Under Misbun’s guidance, even BAM recent players of this era made a swift transition from the junior ranks to the senior stage, including Lee Zii Jia and Justin Hoh.
It is a testament to Misbun’s enduring passion and commitment -– a coach who remains unstoppable in his mission to elevate the game, wherever he may be.
