The Right Vibes

The Right Vibes - National men’s singles head coach Datuk Misbun Sidek has wasted no time in getting down to business.

The 57-year-old Misbun was back on the court – on his second day at work – to train a few selected shuttlers at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara.

Among those who were put through the mill by the former international included the likes of Soong Joo Ven, Soo Teck Zhi, Chong Yee Han and R. Satheishtharan.

Misbun, who is in his second spell with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), was pleased with their response.

“The players are all highly motivated. I can see the spark in their eyes and they all want to improve,” said Misbun.

“I wasn’t really going to rush into things, but I got a little restless ... which is why I joined them on court.

“But it’s good because I wanted to have a feel of the players who are under my care.

“I also gave all of them a hug after training. I wanted to see if my presence affects them or if any of them are uncomfortable with me.

“It’s also good that we have a big pool of players. This is different from when I was here previously.

“A big pool means all these players have individual characteristics and it’s up to us coaches to raise their levels and develop the different styles of play.

“For now, I’m not making any drastic changes, especially since most of them will be competing at the Malaysian International Series (in Putrajaya from July 11-16).

“Hendrawan will still run things for now.

“Maybe once I get to know the players better, then I’ll make the appropriate changes to the programme.”

Apart from Hendrawan, Misbun will also be assisted by Indonesian Indra Wijaya and former international Sairul Amar Ayob.

The four coaches will work with a total of 13 shuttlers.

The others in the men’s singles department are three-time Olympic silver medallist Lee Chong Wei, Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin, Lee Zii Jia, Lim Chi Wing, Tan Jia Wen, Cheam June Wei, Yeoh Seng Zoe, Leong Jun Hao and Sim Fong Hau.