KUALA LUMPUR — Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) coaching director Rexy Mainaky has confirmed that Indonesian Mulyo Handoyo and former Denmark chief coach Kenneth Jonassen are among the leading candidates being considered for head coaching roles.
As the Olympic cycle nears its end, it is common for coaches and national badminton associations to review contracts and performance indicators.
If these coaches are not offered contract extensions, they become free agents, opening up possibilities for other teams.
A prime example is ABM’s long-serving men’s singles coach, Hendrawan, who will leave the national setup this month after 15 years, following a decision not to renew his contract.
Another men’s singles coach, James Chua, resigned recently to join the Czech Republic national team as head coach.
The market for top badminton coaches is heating up. Last week, the Badminton Association of India advertised for a foreign singles coach.
Meanwhile, Badminton Denmark announced in September that Jonassen would not be renewing his contract after 11 years of service.
Although reports surfaced about Mulyo joining the Indian team as head coach, sources told Scoop that the former Singapore BA coach never took up the role, leaving him open to new opportunities.
Adding to the list, Japan’s coaching director Park Joo-bong will leave the Nippon Badminton Association after 20 years, in December.
Three weeks ago, the Badminton Association of Thailand also announced their split from South Korea’s Kim Ji-hyun, who had been coaching their women’s singles players.
Simply put, it is open season for top coaches, and all the names mentioned meet Rexy’s criteria of having extensive experience and a track record of producing world-class players.
Not to be overlooked are the three Malaysian coaches currently in Japan – Jeremy Gan, Tan Kim Her, and Lee Wah Wah – who were recruited by Joo-bong.
While their contracts run until May 2025, their future could come into play with Joo-bong’s departure.
“Yes, Kenneth and Mulyo are among the candidates for ABM’s head coaching roles, but nothing is finalised yet,” said Rexy.
“I won’t give any hints; we’ll wait for the final announcement. Ideally, we hope to have the new coaches in place by December, as the Malaysia Open is early next year,” he added.
ABM remains without head coaches for the men’s singles, women’s singles, and doubles departments under its new coaching structure announced this week.
The new hires will be tasked with raising the standard of Malaysia’s elite shuttlers ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. — October 4, 2024