PETALING JAYA: After several years working with independent players, Teo Kok Siang felt the time was right to return to the national set-up and take on a new challenge.
The newly-appointed mixed doubles coach, who reported for duty on Sept 1, was immediately thrown into action when he accompanied the national players to the China Masters last week.
Kok Siang returned to BAM with a strong reputation after spending the past few years coaching several independent players, including Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, who went on to become world No. 1.
The 36-year-old also coached Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie and worked with Lai Pei Jing during her partnerships with Tan Kian Meng, Jimmy Wong and most recently Hoo Pang Ron.
Kok Siang, however, will now have a different task at BAM, where most of the mixed doubles players are still young and gaining experience, apart from Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei and Jimmy-Cheng Su Yin.
“It feels like the old days again. I’m proud to be back with the team and I hope I can help BAM get good results.
“I wanted a change of environment and also a new challenge for myself.
“The two generations are different. In the past, there was more focus on strategy and tactics. Now, there is more emphasis on improving speed, power and consistency. The game has changed a lot,” said Kok Siang.
Kok Siang is no stranger to the national set-up, having previously served with BAM from 2017 to 2022 alongside Chin Eei Hui and Paulus Firman.
His return also sees him reunited with several familiar faces, including former world champion Chen Tang Jie, whom he had worked with during the shuttler’s early years.
“I’m happy because when I first worked with him, he was still an up-and-coming player, but now he is already a world champion.
“He has matured a lot, not only in the way he thinks but also in his attitude towards training,” added Kok Siang.
