Finding Home on the Court: Hafiz Hashim’s Coaching Journey in India
Former All-England champion Hafiz Hashim has embraced a new chapter in his badminton career, trading the Malaysian courts for the bustling city of Hyderabad, India. As a coach with the Suchitra Badminton Academy, Hafiz has committed to nurturing young talent until Febuary 2026, finding a sense of belonging far from his homeland.
“Hyderabad is my home now,” Hafiz shared, acknowledging the bittersweet reality of being away from Malaysia. While he misses the tranquility of driving back home, the presence of his family in Hyderabad provides a comforting sense of familiarity.
Hafiz’s focus in India lies primarily on developing junior players, a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. While the academy hasn’t yet achieved critically important breakthroughs at the international level, Hafiz is dedicated to building a strong foundation for future success.
“we’re concentrating on local tournaments and providing our players with valuable experience in lower-tier Badminton World Federation events like the International Challenge and Series,” he explained.
India’s badminton landscape differs significantly from Malaysia’s.The country relies heavily on a robust club system to identify and cultivate promising athletes. Top club players can even represent India in prestigious tournaments like the Asian Games, World Championships, and team events.
This system was recently showcased in the Asia Team Championships, where India, lead by Olympic medalist P.V. Sindhu, stunned Thailand in a thrilling 3-2 victory. Notably, Anmol kharb, a club player, played a crucial role in securing the win.
Hafiz’s academy also contributed to the tournament, with Priya Konjengbam-Shruti Mishara gaining invaluable experience despite their loss.
Coaching, Hafiz admits, is a demanding profession. It requires resilience in the face of criticism and a deep passion for the sport. “It’s easier to be a player,” he confessed, “but I’m enjoying this journey as badminton is my life.”
from Champion to Coach: A conversation with Hafiz Hashim
Today, we have the distinct pleasure of welcoming a badminton legend and seasoned coach, Hafiz Hashim, to our platform. Hafiz, a former All-England champion, has traded the courts of his native malaysia for the vibrant city of Hyderabad, India, where he’s molding young talent at the Suchitra Badminton Academy. Hafiz,thank you for joining us!
Hafiz: The pleasure is all mine.
Moderator: Your move to India must have been a big decision. what prompted this shift in your career path,and how has the transition been for you?
Hafiz: It definitely was a significant decision. After retiring from professional play, I felt a strong desire to give back to the sport that gave me so much. The opportunity to coach at Suchitra Badminton Academy presented itself, and the chance to work with young and enthusiastic players was simply too good to pass up. Of course, leaving my homeland and familiar surroundings was tough, but Hyderabad has become surprisingly like a second home thanks to the warmth of the people and the presence of my family.
Moderator: That’s wonderful to hear! You mentioned focusing on developing junior players at the academy.How would you compare the badminton landscape in India to Malaysia, and what are some of the unique challenges and opportunities you’ve encountered?
Hafiz: India’s badminton scene is truly dynamic and exciting. The club system here is incredibly strong, playing a crucial role in identifying and nurturing talent. it’s engaging to see club players even representing India at prestigious international events. This grassroots level involvement is extraordinary.
However, there’s definitely room for advancement in terms of infrastructure and accessibility in certain regions. Compared to Malaysia, where badminton is deeply entrenched in the culture, India’s journey towards sustained excellence at the international level is still ongoing.
Moderator: You touched upon the importance of grassroots development. How do you see the Suchitra Badminton Academy contributing to this?
Hafiz: We are committed to building a strong foundation for the future. We primarily focus on local tournaments and provide our players with valuable exposure through lower-tier Badminton World Federation events.
While we haven’t had groundbreaking international successes yet, our players are gaining invaluable experience and steadily improving.
Moderator: Recently, india stunned Thailand in the Asia Team Championships, with a club player even playing a pivotal role in the victory.Can you share Your thoughts on this win and its implications for Indian badminton?
Hafiz: It was a thrilling victory for India and a testament to the depth of talent present in the country.
Anmol Kharb’s crucial role highlighted the importance of the club system and highlighted how club players are emerging as instrumental figures on the international stage. It was a moment of pride for Indian badminton and a thrilling display of skill and determination.
Moderator: Coaching,as you know,can be incredibly rewarding yet demanding. How do you approach challenges like criticism and the pressure to produce results?
Hafiz: You hit the nail on the head. Coaching is definitely not for the faint-hearted! It requires resilience, unwavering passion for the sport, and a deep understanding of individual players’ needs.
I believe in open dialog, constructive feedback, and a positive and encouraging environment. Criticism is inevitable, but I try to view it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Moderator: This has been truly insightful, Hafiz. Thank you for sharing your journey and viewpoint. Now, let’s open it up to our readers. What are your thoughts on Hafiz’s experiences and insights into the Indian badminton landscape? How vital is grassroots development for the future of the sport? Share your comments below!
