Badminton

Indra smashes down talks of 'Indonesian camp'

Newly promoted women's singles head coach, Indra Wijaya has rubbished talk of an "Indonesian camp" at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara.

This came following the latest BAM move to have four out of the five disciplines led by Indonesian coaches.

Even the newspapers in Indonesia have been playing up the story.

"It's funny because it never crossed my mind at all," said Indra yesterday.

"I was surprised to read some of the headlines from Indonesia," Indra told Timesport.

According to the 46-year-old, it really does not make any difference as each coach will be responsible for their respective players.

"To be honest, I have already spent a few years working with Hendrawan (men's singles head coach), and Paulus Firman (mixed doubles head coach) has also been here for two years.

"It's just a reshuffle (of the national coaching set-up). Flandy (Limpele), who is coming in to lead the men's doubles, is the only new foreign inclusion.

"We each have our responsibilities and we want to do our job well, that is all. Nothing about an Indonesian presence," added Indra, who believes it's a new challenge altogether for him to lead the women's singles department.

Indra, who had a two-year stint in South Korea before moving to Malaysia, has the experience of training the likes of former World No 1 men's singles, Son Wan Ho, and former World Championships women's singles bronze medallist, Sung Ji Hyun.

"To be honest, I am comfortable coaching the men's singles department but I am ready for this challenge.

"As a professional coach, we move around, gain more experience and produce more good players.

"Taking over the women's singles department here is new for me. I got to start with knowing the players well but I am excited for it," he said.

Indra, who will take up his new role on June 1, will have players like Soniia Cheah, Sea Games champion S. Kisona, and two-time world junior champion, Goh Jin Wei, among others under his wings.

Former chief coach, Tey Seu Bock, will return to assist Hendrawan in the men's singles department.

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