KUALA LUMPUR – Rosman Razak described his return to coaching the national women’s doubles team at the Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) as an opportunity he could not refuse.
Speaking to the press on his first day back, Rosman explained how ABM coaching director Rexy Mainaky, along with Malaysia’s top women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, challenged him to rejoin as head coach – a challenge he felt compelled to accept.
Rosman’s top priority is to develop Pearly and Thinaah into strong medal contenders for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics while also closing the gap between them and the emerging pairs.
“I began my career here with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), and when Rexy outlined his vision, I was truly convinced. The offer was very appealing as well,” said Rosman.
“Rexy’s expectations are a challenge I’m ready to take on. My main focus is on Pearly and Thinaah’s Olympic campaign, but I also need to narrow the gap between them and the juniors, which is currently too wide.
“It won’t be easy, but the trust Rexy has placed in me is what truly convinced me to return,” added Rosman, who has had two previous stints with BAM.
Rosman said his immediate priority in the women’s doubles department is to assess each of the 16 players (eight pairs) individually before determining their permanent partnerships. This assessment could potentially lead to a further reduction in the women’s doubles squad.
“I need some time to evaluate each player individually. Their training habits, attitude, and character are all crucial, as many of these juniors are starting from scratch.
“I don’t want them to worry too much about partnerships. Let me handle that and find the best combinations moving forward.
“This is a process, but I aim to finalise and confirm the pairings by early next year,” he added.
Rosman first left BAM in 2015 after over two decades as both a player and coach. He returned a year later, left again in 2020, and spent a year coaching the Philippines national team before returning to Malaysia in 2022 to coach independent doubles players.
Rosman is best remembered for identifying Thinaah’s potential in doubles and encouraging her to switch from singles to doubles in 2019.
Besides aiming for an Olympic medal, Rosman is also targeting podium finishes for Pearly and Thinaah at the Asian Games and World Championships.
“Pearly and Thinaah have high expectations on me. Likewise, I expect a lot from them. It’s a two-way process,” he said. – November 5, 2024