PETALING JAYA: The arrival of Hendra Setiawan as a coach with Indonesia’s Thomas Cup squad has brought a smile to Herry Iman Pierngadi.
Although Hendra will be on the opposite side of the net, Herry, now the head coach of Malaysia, is proud to see his former charge following in his footsteps.
The Finals begin on Friday in Horsens, Denmark.
“I’m glad to see Hendra carry on the legacy as a coach,” said Herry.
Indonesia have named a strong doubles line-up featuring Fajar Alfian-Shohibul Fikri, Sabar Karyaman-Moh Reza, and Raymond Indra-Nikolaus Joaquin.
Hendra was among the loyal and unassuming players groomed by Herry during his long stint with Indonesia.
The veteran enjoyed a glittering career, winning Olympic gold and world titles with Mohd Ahsan, as well as with his former partner, the late Markis Kido.
This will be Hendra’s first coaching role with Indonesia, while for Herry, it marks his first Thomas Cup assignment with a foreign team.
“There are many former players who have turned to coaching, and we will see quite a few of them at the Finals this year,” said Herry.
“But not all are consistent yet in their roles, and some still lack maturity.”
Among those who have ventured into coaching are Malaysia’s Wong Choong Hann, Tan Bin Shen and Jeremy Gan (Hong Kong), Tan Kim Her (India), Lee Wan Wah (Japan), and China’s Zhang Jun and Zhang Ning, to name a few.
On the Finals, Herry believes South Korea, led by world No. 1 pair Kim Won-ho–Seo Seung-jae, remain the benchmark in doubles.
“The Koreans will still be outstanding in the doubles at the Thomas Cup,” he said.
“I believe Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik can beat them, but first they must believe in themselves.”
Herry boasts a strong record in the Thomas Cup, having guided Indonesia to the title in 2000 and again in 2022.
