KUALA LUMPUR: Former international K.Yogendran believes local coaches should not limit themselves to coaching in Malaysia only.
The former BA of Malaysia (BAM) shuttler is the head coach of Mauritius and will be accompanying their women's team to the Uber Cup in Bangkok next week.
Yogendran, who also runs the New Vision Badminton Academy (NVBA) in Petaling Jaya, said Malaysian coaches and former players are highly sought after and they should not hesitate to ply their trade outside the country.
Among the local coaches making a name outside Malaysia are Tan Kim Her (India), Wong Tat Meng (Scotland) and Jeremy Gan (Japan).
"Compared to a country like Mauritius, we are far ahead in terms of badminton. We have such a rich history in the sport, where else they are only starting to play the game.
"Malaysian coaches or ex-players should move outside of Malaysia to try their luck. If there is a chance, I say go and give it a shot," said Yogendran after Fleet sponsorship deal for the Mauritius Uber Cup squad at the Olympic Council of Malaysia on Wednesday.
This will be Mauritius’ second outing at the team event, after also qualifying for the final round in 2016 in Kunshan, China.
On the team's target, Yogendran added: "I don't think we have got any targets. Qualifying for the final round is already a huge achievement.
"It is going to be tough to beat players from countries like Denmark, South Korea and even Russia who are in our group (Group C), but it will be a good chance for our young team to gain valuable experience.
"Our other target is to prepare for the Indian Ocean Games next year."
As most of the country's senior players are tied with work and studies, the Mauritius Uber Cup team will be captained by Olympian Kate Foo Kune.