KUALA LUMPUR: National coaching director Rexy Mainaky has praised Herry IP's credentials, but the final decision to appoint the Indonesian legend for the men's doubles coaching position lies with the BA of Malaysia (BAM).
Rexy, who trained under Herry at the tail end of his playing career, acknowledged the coach's illustrious track record of producing numerous Indonesian world and Olympic champions.
Rexy confirmed speaking to Herry, now a free agent following the non-renewal of his contract with the Indonesian BA (PBSI), and other candidates to replace outgoing Tan Bin Shen after the Malaysia Open next week.
Herry indicated he was ready to join BAM, provided he is offered a contract.
BAM is expected to discuss and potentially approve Herry's appointment during its council meeting on Jan 11.
"I have given my recommendation to BAM on the hiring of a men's doubles coach. It's not just me — everyone knows Herry's quality," said Rexy.
"I am only the coaching director, and the final call must come from the management."
Rexy revealed he also approached former national players Yap Kim Hock, Tan Boon Heong, Koo Kien Keat and Lee Wan Wah, but all declined due to existing commitments.
"I approached a few ex-national players, including Kim Hock, for the job. Boon Heong is running his own academy, Kien Keat is focused on his role as a badminton icon, and Wan Wah is currently coaching in Japan.
"Kim Hock, who recruited me as the men's doubles coach in 2005, is now coaching a club in China."
Herry IP's 25-year tenure with the Indonesian men's doubles squad is marked by unparalleled success.
He has coached Olympic champions, including Candra Wijaya-Tony Gunawan (Sydney 2000) and Hendra Setiawan-Markis Kido (Beijing 2008), and numerous pairs who became world No. 1.
Hendra also claimed three world titles with Mohammad Ahsan (2013, 2015, 2019) and maintained the world No. 1 ranking for significant periods.
Tony secured the 2001 world title with Halim Haryanto, while other top-ranked pairs under Herry included Candra-Sigit Budiarto, Marcus Fernaldi Gideon-Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo and Fajar Alfian-Rian Ardianto.
Herry's experience and proven ability to develop world-class players position him as the leading candidate for BAM's coaching role.