A Coach’s Return: tan Kim Her Aims for Badminton Glory with India
Tan Kim Her, a renowned Indian doubles coach, sees his recent return to the Badminton Association of India (BAI) as a chance to finish what he started. Speaking at the Malaysian Open, kim Her highlighted the warm reception he received from BAI and the personal request from his former protégés, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, as key motivators for his comeback.
Kim Her’s previous four-year tenure in India, beginning in 2015, was instrumental in shaping Satwiksairaj and Chirag into one of the world’s leading men’s doubles pairs.Even after his departure to Japan,the duo continued to flourish under Mathias Boe’s guidance,achieving the coveted world No. 1 ranking, securing an Asian Games gold medal, and clinching a bronze at the World Championships.This time around, kim Her’s mission extends beyond nurturing new partnerships.He is also tasked with elevating Satwiksairaj and Chirag’s status as a dominant force in the doubles arena. His contract with BAI extends until the 2028 los Angeles Olympics, signifying a long-term commitment to Indian badminton.
Reflecting on his previous stint, Kim Her recalled the meticulous process of developing Satwiksairaj and Chirag from the ground up. He guided them thru International Challenge and International series tournaments, gradually propelling them up the rankings. Now, he believes fine-tuning their shots and rotation will be key to further enhancing their game.
While BAI hasn’t set specific targets, Kim Her harbors ambitious aspirations for his star pupils. He envisions them conquering prestigious tournaments like the All-England and World Championships, building upon their historic bronze medal win at the 2022 World Championships in Tokyo. This achievement marked a watershed moment for Indian men’s doubles,paving the way for even greater triumphs.
The All-England, the world’s oldest badminton tournament dating back to 1899, holds a special allure for Indian badminton enthusiasts. No Indian men’s doubles pair has ever lifted this coveted trophy, making it a notable target for kim Her and his charges.
Having already tasted victory at the Asian Games and Asian Championships, Satwiksairaj and chirag are poised to make history. Kim Her’s guidance and their unwavering determination could see them etch their names in badminton folklore by conquering the All-England and other major tournaments.
Back on teh Court: An Exclusive Interview With Tan Kim Her
Welcome back to the court, Coach Kim Her! Your return to India’s badminton scene is generating immense excitement, especially among fans of Satwiksairaj and Chirag. What was it that drew you back to BAI?
Tan Kim Her: Thank you. It’s wonderful to be back. India feels like a second home to me. Of course, the personal request from Satwiksairaj and Chirag played a significant role. Seeing their progress even after I left and their unwavering dedication made me incredibly proud.But honestly, the welcoming attitude of BAI and the shared vision for Indian badminton’s future were equally compelling.
You played a pivotal role in transforming Satwik and Chirag into a world-class pair during your first stint. How do you see your role evolving this time?
Tan Kim Her: My previous focus was primarily on building their foundation, taking them through smaller tournaments and gradually improving their international ranking. Now, we’re shifting gears towards refining their game. Think of it like fine-tuning an engine. We need to sharpen their shot accuracy, fine-tune their rotations, and work on strategies to push them past their current limitations.
The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is a significant milestone on your contract timeline. What are your aspirations for satwik and Chirag leading into the Games?
Tan Kim Her: Reaching the Olympics is just the beginning. We aim for podium finishes, not just participation.I firmly believe they can challenge for titles at prestigious tournaments like the all-England and the World Championships.
The All-England has seemed like a distant dream for Indian Men’s Doubles.What specific strategies will you be implementing to make this a reality for Satwik and Chirag?
Tan kim Her: The All-England is a special tournament, steeped in history and tradition. But we can’t let tradition define our approach. We need to analyze the playing styles of our potential opponents, identify areas of strength and weakness, and develop game plans that exploit those vulnerabilities. It’s about adaptability and mental fortitude.
winning the Asian Games and Asian Championships were monumental achievements. Do you feel those victories solidify Satwik and Chirag as the leading force in Indian badminton?
Tan Kim Her: Those victories were a testament to their hard work and commitment, no doubt.
They have pushed the boundaries and raised the bar for Indian badminton. But complacency is our biggest enemy. They shouldn’t become defined by past successes. This new chapter demands relentless evolution and a thirst for more.
Your return to India has created a wave of optimism among fans. What message would you like to give them?
Tan Kim Her: To the fans, thank you for your unwavering support. Indian badminton is on an exciting trajectory. We have immense talent, and with hard work and dedication, we can achieve incredible things. Let’s work together to write a new chapter in the history books.
We’ll be watching closely,Coach! Thank you for your time and insights.
Readers, what are your thoughts on Tan Kim Her’s return and his ambitious vision for Indian badminton? Do you believe Satwik and Chirag have what it takes to conquer the All-England? share your opinions in the comments below!
