Kuala Lumpur: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) may provide resolution to the situation involving Malaysia’s men’s singles coach Hendrawan after its coaching & training committee meeting on Friday.
Although Hendrawan’s contract with BAM will only expire in June 2020, but the 46-year-old former coach to Lee Chong Wei has been approached by The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI).
In fact, Hendrawan was reportedly turned down an offer from PBSI to become their women’s singles head coach three months ago due to his commitment with the Malaysian team.
“Earlier I was offered to go back to Indonesia but I didn’t go because my commitment with Chong Wei hasn’t completed yet,” said Hendrawan.
“I’ve promised Chong Wei that I will be of service as long as he needs me or until his career ends. Then, I will only decide my future.”
“Chong Wei has just retired. So, I haven’t think much about it yet,” Hendrawan told reporters in mid-June.
BAM honorary secretary Datuk Ng Chin Chai said last week that Hendrawan will probably be re-assign to coach a different group of players.
“We will discuss with our committee members before deciding on Hendrawan’s new role,” said Ng.
Meanwhile, the former world champion from Indonesia has received support from both current and former BAM players that his experience is desperately needed in order to help improve BAM’s men’s singles department especially after Lee Chong Wei’s retirement.
“Hendrawan is a great coach. Although I didn’t spend much time training under him, but we had great moments together when I won the Taiwan Open last year as he was leading the team,” said Malaysia’s World No. 18 Lee Zii Jia.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s World No. 98 Iskandar Zulkarnain who was trained by Hendrawan for seven years also hoped the Indonesian coach would continue to coach in BAM.
“He established heart-to-heart connection with every player. That’s why many players feel comfortable under him,” said Zulkarnain.
“I think Hendrawan is still incredibly valuable to BAM. If he does not coach the men’s singles department, maybe he should re-assign to another department such as the women’s singles division,” added Zulkarnain.
