KUALA LUMPUR: Coaching legend Herry IP has set his first major target for the national men's doubles squad — ending the country's 18-year wait for an All England men's doubles title.
The 63-year-old Indonesian, who officially starts as the national men's doubles head coach at the BA of Malaysia (BAM) on Saturday, is optimistic his charges can win in Birmingham on March 11-16.
Former world No. 1 Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong were the last Malaysian pair to lift the prestigious title in 2007.
The most recent champion from Malaysia was Lee Zii Jia, who won the men's singles crown in 2021.
With their experience, world No. 5 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik are seen as strong contenders, while world No. 12 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun will be eager to build on their Indonesia Masters Super 500 victory last week.
Herry believes Malaysia have a genuine shot at the title, with world No. 17 Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King and world No. 26 Choong Hon Jian-Haikal Nazri also competing in Birmingham.
"The All England is one of the most prestigious tournaments in badminton after the Olympics and the World Championships," said Herry, who was welcomed by the media upon his arrival at KLIA on Thursday.
"We have Aaron-Wooi Yik and Wei Chong-Kai Wun in the squad, so Malaysia have a good chance of winning at the All England.
"However, the men's pairs must be well prepared because the competition will be fierce. Every pair wants to win the All England."
While independent pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, ranked world No. 2, may be Malaysia's best hope on paper, Herry is determined to deliver early success with the national pairs.
He sees a strong showing in Birmingham as a crucial step towards Malaysia's long-term goal — winning their first-ever Olympic gold at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Herry has an outstanding record at the All England, having coached Indonesian pairs to six titles in the last eight editions.
His past champions include, Markus Fernaldi Gideon-Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo (2017-2018), Mohammad Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan (2019), Shohibul Fikri-Bagas Maulana (2022) and Fajar Alfian-Rian Ardianto (2023-2024).
Now, he hopes to replicate that success by guiding Aaron-Wooi Yik and their teammates to All England glory this year.