KUALA LUMPUR: Three high-profile candidates have emerged to lead the men's singles department at the BA of Malaysia (BAM), replacing long-serving Indonesian coach Hendrawan, whose contract will expire by the end of the year.
Indonesians Irwansyah and Rony Agustinus, as well as Denmark head coach Kenneth Jonassen, are among the possible replacements as BAM seeks to produce an Olympic champion in men's singles at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
With BAM advertising for a men's singles coach in May, it appears Hendrawan is unlikely to receive a contract extension.
It is unclear, however, whether BAM will hire more than one coach.
Former world champion Hendrawan, who has been with BAM since 2009, was in charge of Ng Tze Yong before the shuttler suffered a back injury.
The other men's singles coach, Tey Seu Bock, has been with BAM since 2002, while James Chua tendered his resignation on Sept 21.
Irwansyah is currently coaching the Indonesian men's singles squad, and both World No. 3 Jonatan Christie and No. 10 Anthony Ginting are performing well under his guidance.
Rony, who served as BAM's junior and senior singles coach from 2013 to 2019, led South Korea's An Se Young to the women's singles gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
He has also worked with Korean men's singles shuttlers.
Irwansyah and Rony could be interested in working in Malaysia, especially since fellow Indonesian Rexy Mainaky is the coaching director of the Academy Badminton Malaysia.
Jonassen, a former European champion, announced three weeks ago that he is vacating his position as head coach with the Denmark BA to allow fresh leadership to guide the squad.
The 50-year-old Dane, however, comes with a wealth of experience, having guided Viktor Axelsen to Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020 and transforming Anders Antonsen into a world-beater.
Former national No. 1 Rashid Sidek, however, believes that Asian coaches, particularly Indonesians, would be better suited for the role at BAM.
"The Asian and European approach to training and preparation is different. Our players will be better suited to the Asian method," Rashid told Timesport yesterday.
"Training in Malaysia and Indonesia is quite similar, and so is the culture. This will make it easier for our younger players to adapt.
"No matter who the candidate is, BAM needs to hire someone with the experience to fast-track the progress of our young players."
BAM acting president Datuk V. Subramaniam disclosed that he will reveal updates on the coaching role soon.