Misbun's return to BAM can inspire, galvanise national single's players

National badminton icon Datuk Misbun Sidek's return to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) as national singles head coach has been welcomed by National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail.

According to him, Misbun is one of the best coaches ever produced by BAM, and as someone who has worked with Misbun before, he believes the legend's return could inspire the country's singles players, especially Datuk Lee Chong Wei.

"With Misbun in BAM now, he will be able to help improve the performance of the country's number one shuttler Chong Wei, as well as inspire the other singles players.

"He will also ensure continuity in producing young players who can replace Chong Wei in the future," he said during a welfare programme organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports branch of the Association of Wives and Members of the Public Service Department (PUSPANITA), in collaboration with Nouvelles Visages, at the Mydin Mall in Subang Jaya, today.

Ahmad Shapawi said for Chong Wei to become the world champion, he would need the support and guidance of an experienced coach and someone who truly understood his style of play.

"We must support Chong Wei's desire for serving the nation even though he has reached the age of 34. His determination to join the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo requires strong coaching support and Misbun is the right choice," he said.

Ahmad Shapawi opined that with the return of Misbun, the younger players in the BAM would also gain new strategies and technical skills in their training.

He said Misbun was responsible for developing badminton ace Chong Wei to become the first men's singles player to win all Super Series titles, as well as two Olympic silver medals and three All England titles.

-- BERNAMA