IT wasn't a difficult choice when Chan Chong Ming decided to call the BA of Malaysia (BAM) his new home.
Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the 40-year-old former men's doubles player will be returning to the national stable as the women's doubles head coach.
Speaking to Timesport yesterday, the former World No 1 (with Chew Choon Eng) revealed that he had turned down a coaching job offer in Japan.
"BAM approached me about two weeks ago but I also had another offer from a top club in Japan.
"I weighed the options and chose BAM as things are looking very uncertain around the globe because of the coronavirus.
"I'm happy I made this choice. I'm looking forward to a new chapter in my life," said Chong Ming, who retired as a national player in 2007.
BAM issued a statement yesterday on the new coaching structure, which also highlighted the surprise appointment of Indonesian Flandy Limpele as men's doubles head coach.
Under the new lineup, men's singles head coach Hendrawan will be reunited with Tey Seu Bock.
Indonesian Indra Widjaya replaces Seu Bock as the women's singles head coach. Indra will be assisted by Loh Wei Sheng.
Former men's doubles head coach Paulus Firman will now handle the mixed doubles department with Teo Kok Siang while the previous head, Chin Eei Hui, has been tasked with assisting Chong Ming, alongside Wong Pei Tty.
Former women's doubles chief Rosman Razak has been moved to the men's doubles department where he will work with Flandy and another former international Hoon Thien How.
Chong Ming, who has close to a decade of coaching experience, declined to comment much on his targets, but is excited to offer his expertise.
"I don't want to say much until I actually start coaching. I don't know anything yet.
"Good thing is I will be working with two friends (Pei Tty and Eei Hui), who were my batch mates during my playing days. It should be a good team.
"What I can say is I wish to bring the women's doubles department to a new level," Chong Ming added.