Boon Heong Declines Coaching Role, Focuses on Autonomous Player Support
Former Malaysian badminton star Tan boon Heong has clarified that he was not approached by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) for the vacant menS doubles head coach position. Despite being named as a potential candidate by national coaching director Rexy Mainaky, the 37-year-old expressed no interest in taking on a coaching role.
“I was surprised to see my name mentioned as a potential candidate,” Boon Heong stated. “Rexy hasn’t contacted me about the position, and coaching isn’t something I’m pursuing at this time. I enjoy watching and analyzing matches, but I’m not looking to transition into a coaching role.”
While Boon Heong has ruled himself out of the BAM coaching position, he is actively involved in supporting independent players. Notably, he is assisting Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi, fellow Li-Ning sponsored athletes, in their search for a new coach following Rosman Razak’s departure to rejoin BAM as the women’s doubles coach.
“I’m committed to helping Yew Sin and Ee Yi find the right coaching fit,” boon Heong explained. “However, I’m not considering coaching them or any other independent team myself.”
Meanwhile, BAM is reportedly close to finalizing Bin Shen’s replacement, with two candidates – one local and one international – in the running. The new coach is expected to be announced after this week’s Malaysian Open, marking Bin Shen’s final tournament with the national team before he takes up a coaching position in Hong Kong.
boon Heong on Coaching, Support, and the Future of malaysian Badminton
Welcome back to the Net Cord podcast, where we delve deep into the world of badminton with athletes, coaches, and industry insiders. Today, we have a very special guest, the legendary Tan Boon Heong! Boon Heong, welcome to the show.
Tan Boon Heong: Thanks for having me. It’s great to be here.
Moderator: We’re thrilled to have you. Now,Boon Heong,recent news has circulated about your name being mentioned as a potential candidate for the vacant Men’s Doubles Head Coach position with BAM. How dose it feel to be in the midst of such discussions?
Tan Boon heong: Honestly, I was surprised to see my name pop up. [1] Rexy hasn’t contacted me directly about it, and coaching isn’t something I’m actively pursuing at the moment. While I thoroughly enjoy analyzing matches and the tactical intricacies of the game, I’m not ready to make that leap into coaching.
Moderator: I can understand wanting to transition into a new role thoughtfully. Some might argue that your experience and insights would be invaluable to the national team. What are your thoughts on that?
Tan Boon Heong: I appreciate that, but I believe coaching requires a different set of skills and dedication. It’s a full-time commitment that demands immense patience, strategic thinking,
and the ability to motivate athletes at their highest level. Right now, my focus lies elsewhere. [1]
Moderator: You’ve mentioned focusing on other areas. We know you’re very actively engaged in supporting independant players like Yew Sin and Ee Yi. Can you elaborate on that involvement?
Tan Boon Heong: Absolutely. Yew Sin and Ee Yi are like family to me, and I’m committed to helping them find their footing after Rosman’s departure. They’re incredibly talented players, and I want to see them achieve their full potential.
I’m assisting them in their search for a new coach who aligns with their playing style and goals. It’s more of a mentorship role, guiding them through this transition phase.
Moderator: It’s great to see such camaraderie and support within the badminton community. Now, with BAM on the verge of appointing Bin Shen’s replacement, do you foresee any challenges or opportunities for the new coach given the current landscape of Malaysian badminton?
Tan Boon Heong: I believe there’s immense potential. Malaysian badminton has a rich legacy and a passionate fan base. The new coach needs to foster a culture of excellence, nurture talent, and instill confidence in the players.
Moderator: Absolutely.
This is a engaging period for Malaysian badminton, with a new coach entering the scene and independent players paving their own paths. It will be exciting to see how things unfold.
Moderator: Boon Heong, thank you so much for joining us today.
Tan Boon Heong: My pleasure. I enjoyed the conversation.
Moderator: Now, I want to open the floor to our listeners. What are your thoughts on Boon Heong’s insights? Do you think he would have been a good fit for the BAM coaching role?
Share your opinions and let’s keep the badminton conversation going!
