PETALING JAYA:The wait for the new national men’s doubles head coach is over with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) announcing the appointment of Herry Iman Pierngadi, an Indonesian legend known for producing several world-class pairs.
BAM acting president V Subramaniam said Herry, 62, better known as Herry IP, will be taking up the post from Feb 1, Bernama reported.
Herry, 62, has been offered a four-year contract to head the men’s doubles coaching squad and guide the national pairs at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara. He replaces Tan Bin Shen.
Subramaniam said it was still too early to set any key performance indicators (KPIs) for the incoming coach, despite his proven track record in producing several world-class pairs from Indonesia.
“Firstly, the coach has to look at all the players under him, understand what are their strengths and weaknesses as well as that of the coaches working under him.
“I think he will need some time, probably 10 days or so. Only after that can he come out with his plan, such as things that need to be done and changed.
“We don’t want a coach to just come in and straight away go into training,” he told reporters following the BAM council meeting in Kuala Lumpur today.
Herry had previously coached Olympic champions like Tony Gunawan-Candra Wijaya and Hendra Setiawan-Markis Kido, along with many other world-class pairs, Bernama reported.
Herry also formed the successful partnership of Hendra and Mohammad Ahsan, helping the pair to win multiple world championship titles as well as moulding former world number one Marcus Fernaldi Gideon-Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo.
ABM coaching director Rexy Mainaky said he has known Herry since his early days as a shuttler and had always sought his guidance throughout his playing days.
He added that he had no doubts about Herry’s quality and wealth of experience in elevating the national men’s doubles pairs.
Based on his earlier discussions with Herry, Rexy mentioned that the former is also eager to work with former 2022 men’s doubles world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and explore ways to improve the duo, who are ranked world No 6.
“So, I will discuss with him his plans for them (Aaron-Wooi Yik) and the others as well,” Rexy said, according to Bernama.
The former Olympic gold medallist said that once Herry has adapted to the culture and attitude of the Malaysian players, he will have a clearer understanding of what’s needed and ultimately help secure the elusive Olympic gold for Malaysia in Los Angeles 2028.