The return of Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) marks not just a professional shift, but a personal evolution. Once a rising star in Malaysian badminton, Iskandar has transitioned from court warrior to mentor, carrying the hard-won wisdom of his playing days into a new era of leadership.
This isn’t just a career move—it’s a homecoming. And for Iskandar, it’s a calling to give back to the sport that gave him everything.
A Career Forged in Fire
Born on May 24, 1991, in Kuala Lumpur, Iskandar grew up during the golden age of Malaysian badminton. Like many kids of his generation, he idolized Lee Chong Wei, the nation’s all-time great. But unlike most, Iskandar’s raw talent and relentless drive carried him from the local halls of Selangor to international circuits.
As a junior, he showed promise early on, earning a silver medal at the 2011 Asian Junior Championships and breaking into the national team as a teenager. His footwork was sharp, his deception clinical, and his mental game mature beyond his years. He quickly rose through the ranks, playing alongside and against top-tier names like Lin Dan, Chen Long, and Viktor Axelsen.
His finest moment came in 2016, when he reached the final of the Malaysia Masters and broke into the top 25 of the BWF world rankings. That year, many believed he was on the brink of becoming Malaysia’s next big hope in men’s singles.
But fate had other plans.
Battles Beyond the Court
Iskandar’s career trajectory was repeatedly hampered by injuries and inconsistency. He battled knee and back issues, both of which forced him to withdraw from several key tournaments in the late 2010s. The physical setbacks were compounded by mounting pressure and dwindling support systems. In 2020, after parting ways with Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), he attempted to rebuild his career as an independent shuttler. Though passionate and committed, the journey was an uphill battle. Without the structured support of a national program and with fewer sponsorships, Iskandar’s competitive appearances grew sparse. The COVID-19 pandemic further derailed his comeback efforts, with international tournaments canceled or indefinitely postponed.
In a heartfelt statement in 2022, Iskandar confirmed what many had suspected: his days as a professional player were effectively over.
But while one chapter was closing, another—arguably more meaningful—was quietly beginning.
The Return to BAM
Fast forward to 2025, and Iskandar is back where it all began—BAM’s national training center in Bukit Kiara. Only this time, he’s not here to chase trophies. He’s here to build champions.
In June 2025, BAM officially appointed Iskandar as an Assistant Coach for the National Men’s Singles Team, working under the guidance of head coach Hendrawan, the Indonesian tactician and former world champion.
The decision was met with widespread approval. BAM President Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria praised Iskandar’s appointment as a “natural fit” for the role, citing his experience, relatability, and tactical insight.
“Iskandar has walked the same path these players are now treading. He knows their struggles. He understands the pressure. He also knows what it takes to compete at the highest level,” Norza stated during the press conference.
But for Iskandar, this isn’t just about tactics or rankings. It’s about redemption, mentorship, and leaving a legacy.
“I’ve Made Mistakes—Now I Want to Help Others Avoid Them”
In a recent interview with Malaysian media, Iskandar opened up about the emotional journey that brought him back to BAM. Candid and reflective, he admitted that his playing career had been “a mix of glory and regret.”
“I was young. I made decisions that weren’t always the best. There were times I let my emotions take control, times I didn’t listen, and times I underestimated the importance of structure and discipline,” he said.
“Now that I’ve been through all that, I want to help our players navigate these challenges better. I want to be the coach I wish I had during my lowest moments.”
It’s a striking level of honesty for a public figure, but one that has made Iskandar even more relatable to the younger generation of shuttlers.
Players like Justin Hoh, Ng Tze Yong, and Chia Jeng Hon now benefit from his insights—not just on footwork and strategy, but on mindset, professionalism, and personal growth.
Building Relationships Not Just Athletes
Unlike some coaches who maintain a firm distance from their proteges, Iskandar’s approach is rooted in empathy and open communication.
He’s not afraid to crack jokes during training or share anecdotes from his playing days. He often reminds his athletes that failure is not the end but part of the process. More importantly, he listens—really listens.
“He’s like a big brother to us,” said one national player during a behind-the-scenes feature for Astro Arena. “He knows when to push us and when to back off. He understands the mental toll of elite badminton.”
His approach has already borne fruit. Several players under his wing have shown noticeable improvement in consistency and on-court discipline. While much of the credit also goes to the broader coaching team, Iskandar’s influence is undeniable.
A New Generation A New Mandate
Malaysian badminton is undergoing a quiet transition. With Lee Zii Jia still navigating his path as an independent, the national men’s singles squad is searching for its next pillar.
BAM has placed its hopes on a group of promising young players in their late teens and early twenties. But talent alone isn’t enough. These athletes need guidance, mentorship, and resilience training to survive the brutal grind of international badminton.
That’s where Iskandar’s role becomes critical.
“I may not have reached the top of the mountain during my time, but I’ve seen the climb. I’ve seen the falls. And I’ve learned what it takes to endure,” he said.
In coaching, Iskandar has found both purpose and peace. For a man once burdened by unmet expectations, the ability to shape others now gives his career new meaning.
The Bigger Picture Giving Back to Malaysian Badminton
Outside of national training sessions, Iskandar is also involved in BAM’s grassroots outreach programs. He conducts junior clinics in rural states, visits school tournaments, and gives motivational talks to aspiring shuttlers.
He believes Malaysia must cast a wider net to discover hidden talents in underrepresented communities. Growing up in a middle-class neighborhood, Iskandar understands how socioeconomic factors can affect athletic potential.
“Not every kid has the luxury to train at a private academy. We need to find these talents where they are—be it in Kedah, Kelantan, or Sabah—and give them opportunities to shine,” he emphasized.
This philosophy aligns with BAM’s renewed commitment to development at the school and state levels. With Iskandar’s firsthand experience and personal mission, the program feels more authentic than ever.
Also Read:
