KUALA LUMPUR: World No. 29 Leong Jun Hao has trained under several men's singles coaches at the BA of Malaysia (BAM) and is unfazed by the impending changes set to take place next year.
BAM is actively searching for new national men's singles coaches, likely to replace Indonesian Hendrawan and James Chua.
For the record, James resigned on Sept 21 to join the Czech Republic BA.
Hendrawan, who has been with BAM since 2009, is not expected to extend his tenure beyond this year.
When approached at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara today, Hendrawan declined to comment on his future.
"I have no comment," was all the former world champion had to say about his departure.
Jun Hao, the most senior player in the national squad, has spent the last two years training under Hendrawan and Tey Seu Bock.
He also benefited from training under James Chua before his recent resignation.
In his junior years, Jun Hao worked under several notable coaches, including Misbun Sidek, Indra Wijaya, K. Yogendran, Wong Tat Meng, Kwan Yoke Meng and Poh Chai Boon.
The wide range of coaching expertise is part of what has helped the 25-year-old maintain his top-30 status.
"I'm used to working with different coaches. I've gained valuable insights from each of them and improved myself through their daily training drills. It doesn't affect me when coaches leave," said Jun Hao.
"Right now, I'm training with Hendrawan, Seu Bock, and until recently, James.
"I consider myself fortunate to have been under the guidance of so many BAM coaches throughout my career, and I've learned a lot from their expertise."
Rumours suggest that Jun Hao, alongside fellow national player Ng Tze Yong, will have a new head coach in January.
BAM is revamping its coaching setup, aiming to produce a men's singles Olympic champion at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Among the names linked to the role are Indonesians Irwansyah and Rony Agustinus, along with Denmark's Kenneth Jonassen. Irwansyah is currently coaching the Indonesian men's singles squad, while Rony guided South Korea's An Se Young to the women's singles gold at the recent Paris Olympics.
Jonassen has confirmed he is leaving the Danish national team as their head coach.
BAM president Datuk V. Subramaniam said the association will issue an official statement on Monday.