Lee Chong Wei Wants Malaysia to Retain Hendrawan as Singles Coach

Petaling Jaya, 24 Dzulqa’dah 1437/27 August 2016 (MINA) – Malaysian badminton superstar Lee Chong Wei is hoping that the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) will extend the contract of singles coach Hendrawan – whose contract expires at the end of this year.

The world number one men’s singles player and three-time silver medallist at the Olympics was quoted by Bernama as saying there was no need to question the Indonesian’s capability as he had guided him to rise back to the top ranking in a very short time after his (Chong Wei’s) eight-month suspension for a doping case.

The 33-year-old Penangite said retaining Hendrawan would also be helpful for the development of rising stars like Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin.

“I hope Hendrawan and Tey Seu Bock (another coach)…will stay with the national team and help us to have a formidable singles team at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

“Hendrawan has been in Malaysia for more than six years, I don’t have to speak about his ability, BAM already knows that.

“As for myself, after my doping case, he brought me to world number one ranking from 182nd place in just 14 months.”

On his plans after the 2017 Badminton World Championships, Chong Wei said it would depend on his performance and fitness level.

Chong Wei is also not expected to feature at the 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games which will be held from Aug 19-31 as it will overlap with the World Championships scheduled for Aug 21-27 in Glasgow, Scotland. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)