Strengthening the squad: Harry Hartono (left), Yeoh Kay Bin (below, left) and Mohd Zakry Latif have reached an agreement on the terms and conditions for joining the national team.
PETALING JAYA: Harry Hartono, along with Yeoh Kay Bin and Mohd Zakry Latif, are expected to be officially announced by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) as the new coaching line-up for the national squad tomorrow.
This was confirmed by BAM performance committee chairman Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei, who finalised the appointments yesterday.
It is understood that all candidates previously considered by BAM have given their consent and have reached an agreement on the terms and conditions for joining the national team.
Hartono was previously with the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) as men’s singles assistant coach under Irwansyah, where he played a key role in the development of top players such as Anthony Ginting and Jonatan Christie.
Kay Bin, meanwhile, has just concluded his contract as coach to professional men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia, while Zakry was previously involved in guiding Negri Sembilan’s young players in preparation for last year’s Malaysia Games in Sarawak.
Chong Wei clarified that their roles will be detailed later, and they may not all join the team at the same time.
“We will make the announcement soon, and there will be a press release later this week. We have just finished discussions on all matters, and everything seems to be going smoothly. BAM will make the announcement this week.
“The Indonesian coach (Harry) is confirmed. As for the full line-up, we have discussed it and will announce the list of names this Friday,” said Chong Wei.
The former world No. 1 also expressed relief that the plans to secure new coaches have finally been finalised, with only the official announcement pending.
This now allows BAM to begin implementing a long-term plan to rebuild the country’s badminton ecosystem, starting from the grassroots level.
“First of all, we are happy that these coaches are coming to Malaysia.
“Some are local, and there is one or two foreign coaches. The most important thing is that once they are here, we can work together.
“We are planning for the future of our players beyond the 2028 and 2032 Olympic Games, as we already have a rough idea of who will represent Malaysia in those editions.
“What is even more important now is to develop our juniors and overall player development. My main focus is on building the next generation,” he added.
