The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has officially confirmed its intention to search for a new men’s doubles coach as part of its long-term strategy to reinforce the national team’s competitiveness on the international stage. The decision comes amid growing pressure to rebuild the men’s doubles department, which has been struggling to achieve consistent results in recent months.
While Malaysia continues to produce world-class doubles talents, the need for experienced coaching guidance has become increasingly apparent, especially as rivals like Indonesia, China, and South Korea maintain their dominance on the global circuit. The move by BAM signals a proactive approach — one that aims not only to strengthen the technical aspects of the squad but also to reshape the mindset and work ethic of the players in preparation for future tournaments.
A Timely Decision Amid Rising Challenges
The men’s doubles category has long been one of Malaysia’s most prestigious departments in badminton. Over the decades, the country has produced outstanding pairs like Cheah Soon Kit–Yap Kim Hock, Koo Kien Keat–Tan Boon Heong, and most recently, Aaron Chia–Soh Wooi Yik, who brought Malaysia its first-ever World Championship gold medal in 2022.
However, since that historic moment, consistency has been an issue. The national squad has faced early exits in several major tournaments, including the Thomas Cup and recent BWF World Tour events. With strong competition from nations that have deeper coaching structures, BAM has decided that fresh expertise could be the catalyst needed to reinvigorate Malaysia’s men’s doubles division.
BAM’s President, Tan Sri (Dr.) Mohamad Norza Zakaria, emphasized that the association’s current priority is to ensure sustainable success rather than short-term glory. “We are proud of what our doubles players have achieved, but we must look forward. The game is evolving, and so must we. We need a coach who can bring in new strategies, elevate the players’ confidence, and prepare them for the future,” he stated in a press briefing at the Malaysian Badminton Academy in Bukit Kiara.
Evaluating the Current Situation
Currently, the men’s doubles department is under the supervision of national head coach Rexy Mainaky, the Indonesian legend who himself was once an Olympic champion. While Rexy’s leadership and motivational presence are highly valued, BAM acknowledges the need for additional coaching manpower to manage the increasing demands of training, match preparation, and player development.
The Malaysian squad currently fields several pairs at different competitive levels, including world champions Aaron Chia–Soh Wooi Yik, Ong Yew Sin–Teo Ee Yi, and emerging pairs such as Man Wei Chong–Tee Kai Wun and Nur Izzuddin–Goh Sze Fei. Each of these pairs has distinct playing styles and developmental needs, making it a challenge for one or two coaches to provide adequate individual attention.
Rexy himself has expressed support for the decision. “It’s a positive move. Coaching men’s doubles at the highest level requires not only tactical planning but also deep psychological preparation. Bringing in another experienced coach will help balance our workload and provide fresh ideas. It will also create healthy competition among the players,” he said.
What Kind of Coach Is BAM Looking For
According to insiders, BAM is not limiting its search to local candidates. The association is open to considering experienced international coaches with proven track records in managing elite doubles pairs. The ideal candidate is expected to bring a modern approach to training — combining data-driven performance analysis, advanced physical conditioning, and mental resilience programs.
A member of the BAM coaching committee hinted that they are looking for someone “with a strong background in developing top-tier doubles players, someone who can complement the existing structure rather than replace it.”
Several names have already been informally discussed within the badminton community. Among them are former Indonesian and Korean coaches who have achieved notable success in international tournaments. BAM, however, remains tight-lipped about any negotiations, stressing that the selection process will be conducted professionally and transparently.
Player Reactions Support and Optimism
The news has been met with optimism from the players themselves. Aaron Chia, who has been a pillar of Malaysia’s doubles scene, welcomed the decision and said it could help the team push beyond their current limitations. “We’ve achieved some milestones, but we know there’s room for improvement. Having another coach will definitely bring a new perspective — maybe a different way of thinking or training that can help us improve our tactical game,” Aaron said.
His partner, Soh Wooi Yik, echoed similar sentiments. “Every top nation has multiple doubles coaches working on different areas — speed, defense, and net play. We need that kind of structure if we want to compete with the best. It’s not about replacing anyone; it’s about strengthening the team as a whole,” he added.
Younger players such as Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun are also excited about the possibility of gaining more direct mentorship. They believe that exposure to diverse coaching philosophies will accelerate their development and prepare them better for international competition.
Learning from Other Nations
Malaysia’s move mirrors similar steps taken by other badminton powerhouses. Countries like China and Indonesia have long adopted multi-coach systems for their doubles teams, allowing them to specialize training sessions and focus on both technical mastery and strategic depth.
For instance, Indonesia’s men’s doubles squad — home to Olympic champions and multiple world title holders — is supported by a team of coaches focusing on different aspects of the game. This approach not only distributes the workload but also ensures that every player receives detailed, personalized guidance.
Similarly, South Korea’s coaching system emphasizes precision training and data analytics. Players undergo extensive video analysis sessions to identify weaknesses, while sports psychologists and nutrition experts are integrated into the coaching setup.
BAM aims to adopt a comparable model, blending traditional Malaysian strengths — such as speed, creativity, and net control — with scientific training and analytical precision. “We cannot rely on past formulas alone,” said BAM’s Technical Director, Datuk Kenny Goh. “Modern badminton is about fine margins. Every rally, every serve, every rotation counts. A top-level coach can help us master these details.”
Challenges Ahead
While the plan to recruit a new coach is widely praised, there are still challenges to address. One of the biggest hurdles is finding a coach who can seamlessly adapt to Malaysia’s badminton culture and communication style.
Language and cultural compatibility play a significant role in building trust between players and coaches. BAM has learned from previous experiences where differences in coaching philosophy led to friction within the team. Hence, the selection process this time will involve not only evaluating technical qualifications but also assessing interpersonal skills and adaptability.
Another concern is budget. Hiring an experienced foreign coach, particularly from badminton powerhouses like Indonesia, China, or Denmark, can be costly. However, BAM remains confident that investing in quality coaching will yield long-term benefits.
“Every ringgit spent on development is an investment in the future of Malaysian badminton,” said Norza. “We are not just building for one tournament; we are building for the next decade.”
Also Read:
