In a move that could reshape the trajectory of Malaysia’s men’s doubles discipline, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has signaled its willingness to let professional pair Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani train under the legendary Indonesian coach Herry Iman Pierngadi (Herry IP). The decision represents not just a shift in policy but also a strategic effort to reclaim Malaysia’s former dominance in men’s doubles badminton.
The duo, who have experienced highs and lows over the last few seasons, may now find themselves training under one of the most successful minds in doubles badminton. The prospect of such collaboration has excited fans, players, and analysts alike, and sparked conversations about the future of Malaysian badminton.
Malaysia’s Search for Men’s Doubles Stability
Malaysia’s rich history in men’s doubles spans generations—from the exploits of Cheah Soon Kit/Yap Kim Hock, to Choong Tan Fook/Lee Wan Wah, and more recently Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong, Malaysia has always taken pride in producing top-tier doubles players. However, the last decade has seen an inconsistent output of world-beating duos.
While Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik delivered the country’s first-ever World Championship gold in 2022, there has yet to be a consistent follow-up by the next tier of talent. That’s where Sze Fei and Izzuddin come in—highly talented, lightning-quick, and fearless on court, but still searching for the consistency needed to stay among the elite.
BAM’s willingness to let them train under Herry IP could be the catalyst to unlock that missing edge.
Herry IP A Coach with Global Reverence
To understand the magnitude of this opportunity, one must appreciate who Herry Iman Pierngadi is.
Herry IP is arguably the most accomplished men’s doubles coach in badminton history. Under his guidance, Indonesia’s men’s doubles pairs have achieved unparalleled success on the global stage. He is the architect behind multiple world number one pairings, including:
- Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo (The Minions)
- Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan (The Daddies)
- Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto
What sets Herry apart is his approach: a combination of discipline, tactical mastery, psychological preparation, and his deep ability to read the nuances of doubles play. He doesn’t just build players—he builds champions.
Having Sze Fei-Izzuddin spend even a short stint under Herry’s guidance could potentially bring transformative results.
A Relationship Rebuilt The Story of Sze Fei-Izzuddin
Before we talk about the future, it’s important to acknowledge the past. Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin first teamed up in 2017, and their rise was rapid. By 2022, they had reached the top 10 in the world, won the German Open, and were widely seen as the next big thing in Malaysian men’s doubles.
However, in 2023, cracks began to show. A combination of on-court miscommunication, pressure, and declining performances led to a short-lived split. The pair tried separate paths but failed to find the same success. Later that year, they reunited—acknowledging that their best chance at glory was together.
Since then, results have been mixed. Some early-round exits were followed by a few semifinal appearances, but the hunger to break into the top echelon remains unmet. This is precisely why the idea of training under Herry IP feels so timely and crucial.
BAM’s Strategic Flexibility A New Era of Thinking
In years past, BAM was known for its rigid, centralized training structure. National players trained under national coaches, with little flexibility for external collaborations. But under the leadership of Rexy Mainaky, BAM has taken on a more progressive and adaptive stance.
Rexy, himself an Olympic gold medalist in men’s doubles, understands the dynamics of elite-level badminton. He also recognizes that sometimes, breaking the mold is necessary.
“Our objective is simple—help our players become world beaters. If that means getting help from other countries’ coaches, we are open to it,” said Rexy in a recent interview.
The move to allow Sze Fei-Izzuddin access to Herry IP is emblematic of this evolving mindset.
What Can Herry IP Offer That Others Haven’t
Let’s break down what a training stint under Herry IP might look like—and how it could address the gaps in Sze Fei-Izzuddin’s game:
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Improved Rotation and Positioning
Indonesian pairs are famous for their seamless court rotation. Herry emphasizes court awareness and efficient movement, ensuring that both players maximize space and maintain attacking formation. Sze Fei-Izzuddin occasionally struggle with overlapping roles—this training could bring clarity.
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Mental Toughness
Herry IP is known for creating high-pressure simulation drills in training—forcing players to think and execute under duress. This kind of preparation is something Sze Fei-Izzuddin desperately need, as they’ve historically faltered in tight three-game matches.
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Tactical Patience
Malaysian pairs often rely on speed and aggression. While effective, this approach becomes predictable. Herry teaches patience—building rallies, waiting for the right moment to strike. This could make Sze Fei-Izzuddin more versatile.
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Renewed Confidence
Sometimes, all it takes is a change of environment to rekindle belief. Training with world-class pairs under a legendary coach could reinvigorate their self-confidence and mental sharpness.
Cross-Border Training New Norm or One-Off Experiment
The idea of Malaysian players training under a foreign national coach is not unprecedented—but it’s still rare. If successful, this collaboration could pave the way for more cross-border exchanges. Young doubles pairs could benefit from stints in Japan, South Korea, or even Denmark.
This kind of ecosystem-wide collaboration is already the norm in other sports like tennis and MMA, and badminton is beginning to catch up.
“We’re no longer competing in silos,” said a BAM senior development officer. “In today’s world, knowledge must be shared, and progress is often built through partnerships.”
Reaction from the Badminton Community
The announcement has already generated plenty of buzz across the badminton world:
- Fans have welcomed the decision, calling it “visionary” and “long overdue.”
- Players—both current and retired—have also voiced support. Former Malaysian ace Koo Kien Keat posted on social media:
“The boys need this. Herry IP is the gold standard.” - Even Indonesian fans have expressed interest, with many praising the camaraderie between the badminton nations and hoping the collaboration will help elevate the sport overall.
Logistical and Political Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism, a few hurdles remain before this collaboration can begin:
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PBSI Approval
Since Herry IP is employed by the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI), any involvement with foreign players must be cleared through official channels. Fortunately, both countries enjoy good badminton relations, increasing the likelihood of approval.
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Training Timeframe
Given the packed BWF calendar, carving out a dedicated training window will be tricky. Whether the stint lasts a few weeks or is split into segments remains to be seen.
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Expectations Management
Fans must remember that results won’t change overnight. Even under Herry’s tutelage, the transformation will require time, effort, and sustained commitment from the players.
Long-Term Vision Building a Sustainable Doubles Pipeline
This move isn’t just about Sze Fei-Izzuddin. It’s about setting an example—creating a culture where growth is prioritized over ego, and performance over protocol. If this collaboration yields success, BAM may consider opening the door for junior players to train abroad or inviting international experts to Malaysia on rotational stints.
The dream? To see Malaysia once again dominate men’s doubles consistently on the World Tour, at the Olympics, and in major team events like the Thomas Cup
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