PETALING JAYA: What Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari could not achieve during his badminton playing days, he now hopes to accomplish as a coach by helping men's doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 43-year-old, who took charge of the former world No. 1 pair in July, revealed that their determination to make it to the Olympics was the main reason he agreed to become their coach.
Fairuzizuan, who previously coached the Perak state team, said he was drawn to the opportunity to help Sze Fei-Izzuddin fulfil their Olympic dream after the pair missed out on the last two editions.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin's first attempt to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics ended in disappointment when they finished 28th in the qualification rankings amid stiff competition within the national squad.
They came closer to securing a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics but again fell short after finishing 15th in the qualification rankings.
On both occasions, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik were Malaysia's sole representatives in the men's doubles event and returned home with bronze medals.
The Olympic men's doubles event is limited to 16 pairs, with each country allowed to field two pairs only if both finish among the top eight in the Olympic qualification rankings.
The qualification period for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is set to begin in May next year.
"Their main target is to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. That is one of the reasons I wanted to work with them and help them achieve their dream," said Fairuzizuan.
The Olympic ambition also holds special meaning for Fairuzizuan, who never had the opportunity to compete at the Games during his playing career alongside Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif.
While the Olympics remain their long-term target, Fairuzizuan is encouraged by the progress Sze Fei-Izzuddin have made under his guidance.
The world No. 5 pair came close to winning their third title of the season at the French Open two weeks ago but had to settle for runners-up after losing to compatriots Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun in the final.
They had earlier won the Indonesian Masters in January before adding the Indonesian Open title six months later.
Despite missing out on another title in Paris, Fairuzizuan believes the pair are moving in the right direction and sees little need to make major changes to their game.
"If you look at how they played in France, they were more relaxed. For me, there is not much that I need to change about their game.
"My job is to make sure they are well prepared for tournaments, especially in terms of their physical conditioning and mental readiness.
"I need to make sure they remain motivated. There will always be mistakes, but other pairs make mistakes too.
"So rather than focusing too much on their mistakes, I believe the most important thing is to ensure Sze Fei-Izzuddin are always ready to compete," added Fairuzizuan.
