KUALA LUMPUR — Could another Indonesian, Paulus Firman, return to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) for a third time to become the national men’s doubles head coach
The national body are reportedly considering Indonesia’s legendary coach, Herry Iman Pierngadi, among others, for the coveted post but has not ruled out other candidates.
It is learnt that BAM are also considering local coaches to fill the vacancy left by Tan Bin Shen.
It was recently confirmed that Bin Shen has taken up a coaching role with the Hong Kong national team, where he will reunite with another former Malaysian international, Wong Choong Hann.
Paulus’ name is a surprising addition to the list of potential candidates. The 55-year-old is currently with the Singapore Badminton Association (SBA).
Although Paulus was not initially part of the speculations, which included names like Flandy Limpele and Denmark’s Mathias Boe, he has a strong track record with Malaysia’s men’s doubles.
Following his brief stint in 2013, Paulus returned to BAM in 2018 and guided Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik to several milestones in 2019.
These included reaching the All England final, winning gold at the SEA Games, qualifying for their maiden World Tour Finals, breaking into the world’s top eight, and becoming Malaysia’s number one men’s doubles pair — overtaking 2016 Rio Olympics silver medallists Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong for the first time.
Their success under Paulus also helped them secure the Tokyo 2020 Olympics qualification.
However, BAM reassigned Paulus to the mixed doubles department in May 2020, citing other plans.
Two years later, Paulus parted ways with BAM after his contract was not renewed and subsequently joined the SBA.
Sources suggest that two-time Olympic bronze medallists and former world champions Aaron and Wooi Yik are keen to see Paulus return. However, there has been no confirmation from BAM’s management.
BAM is also said to be considering local candidates such as former Olympic silver medallist Yap Kim Hock and 2006 Asian Games gold medallist Koo Kien Keat.
When contacted by Scoop, BAM acting president Datuk V. Subramaniam said: “Nothing has been confirmed so far. We are still in discussions with several names.
“Give us another two weeks or so to finalise the doubles coach and make an announcement.”
Meanwhile, the Indonesian press has reported that Herry IP, who has produced multiple Olympic and world champions, is awaiting a contract draft from BAM.
For now, the men’s doubles department remains under the interim care of Indonesian coach Muhammad Miftakh, following the departures of both Bin Shen and Poh Chai Boon, who left the set-up in October.
Bin Shen will officially leave after next week’s Super 1000 Malaysia Open. – January 2, 2025