The Coach Controversy: Malaysian Men's doubles alleges coach for loss

Recently the Asian Games 2018 took place at Jakarta, Indonesia, where badminton players from all the major Asian countries were present to showcase their sheer talent and exceptional skills. During the competition, Malaysia couldn’t manage to perform well. According to the latest news on Malaysia Badminton, the former International doubles star of Malaysia, Tan Boon Heong is alleged for blaming the coaches for the loss of Malaysia in the tournament. 

Boon Heong was the last Malaysian, along with his partner Koo Kien Keat, who won the Asian Games 2006 at Doha. Post them, none Men’s Doubles pair of Malaysia won at the Asian Games. Not just the Asiad, but also in the other major tournaments, Malaysia couldn’t reap any medal. The disappointment in lieu of the Men’s doubles results was anticipated by the star performer.

Malaysia No 1 pair of Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong along with the National No 2 Duo of Ong Sew Sin and Teo Ee Yi, got into an arduous fight before giving up in the quarterfinals. However, Heong seems to keep his thoughts neutral and put forth a rational mindset according to the sources. His annoyance with the Men’s Doubles coach was the basic reason behind poor performance and trite results.

Coach Paulus Firman, Cheah Soon Kit and Vountus Indra Mawan handle the Mens’ Doubles players. Out of the three coaches, Paulus was immediately hired before the commencement of the Thomas Cup finals that took place in Thailand in the month of May. Paulus is an Indonesian citizen and he replaced Soon Kit and became the head to handle the senior players. However, after some time, Paulus was disarmed from such a grave responsibility and rather assigned to handle the junior players.

Before the Thomas Cup, players were not content with Soon Kit, as he decided to field scratch pairs.

Boon feels that because of the bad management by the coaches, the national team is being demoralised. Although, he hopes that the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) will overlook on the matter.

As quoted in the Star, Boon Said, “I’m disappointed that our men’s doubles players failed to get a medal. I don’t blame the players.”

“I’ve been helping out as a sparring partner in the national team. What I’m disappointed is the quality of the coaching. One of the coaches did not give 100% focus in training. Sometimes, you find him just sitting there.” as cited in the Star.

Boon also believes that due to the feeling of jealousy and lack of coordination among the coaches, the team is suffering. He thinks that the matter should be solved on priority.

“I believe that players’ partnerships are split up if they are not in the good books of the coach. Sometimes, the selection is not done on merit,” he said.

“I’m voicing out my opinion because I’m concerned with the state of Malaysian badminton, especially the men’s doubles.

“We have the quality but it’s important for players to be motivated too. Players will excel if the environment is good,” as quoted in the Star.

On the basis of latest Malaysian Badminton updates, it is also revealed that the secretary of Badminton Association of Malaysia, Datuk Ng Chin has announced that the association will have a meeting with the coaching and training committee on 5th Sept raising this issue. BAM president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria has handed the matter to Chin Chai, who is also the chairman of the committee, in order to figure out the lack of results by the Malaysian players at the Asian Games.