Kuala Lumpur: As Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) confirmed on Friday that Tan Bin Shen, the current men’s doubles coach of BAM will be officially leaving the organization in January 2025 to join the Hong Kong badminton team, people are already speculating whether BAM will look to hire legendary Indonesian men’s doubles coach, Herry Iman Pierngadi?
Herry Iman Pierngadi, also known as Herry IP, has recently announced his retirement from Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) after serving the association for an incredible 25 years. The 62-year-old illustrious career includes coaching Olympic champions like Tony Gunawan-Candra Wijaya and Hendra Setiawan-Markis Kido, along with other iconic pairs like Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo and Marcus Fernaldi Gideon.
Pierngadi’s guidance also fostered the phenomenal partnership of Hendra Setiawan and Mohammad Ahsan, who secured multiple World Championships and All England titles. Other standout duos, like Marcus Fernaldi Gideon-Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo and Fajar Alfian-Rian Ardianto, achieved the coveted All England crown and climbed to the top of the world rankings.
Despite these achievements, Pierngadi’s role at PBSI shifted last year when he was reassigned to oversee the mixed doubles division, leaving Aryono Miranat to manage the men’s doubles team. As PBSI restructures its coaching framework this week, Pierngadi has opted to step away entirely, while Miranat returns to his roots at PB Djarum.
The China Badminton Association (CBA), known for its open-door policy in recent years, is also reportedly eyeing Pierngadi to enhance its squad’s performance ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
For Malaysia, hiring a coach of Herry’s caliber could be transformative. Under Tan Bin Shen’s tenure, Malaysia’s pairs have shown promise, but Herry’s wealth of experience could elevate the team further. World No. 6 duo Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, along with emerging talents, would undoubtedly benefit from his expertise. With BAM setting its sights on ending the country’s Olympic gold medal drought in Los Angeles, bringing Herry into the fold could be the strategic boost they need.
However, funding remains a critical factor. BAM recently appointed Danish coach Kenneth Jonassen as the national singles head coach, which could limit their financial flexibility. If BAM doesn’t act, Herry might align himself with China’s formidable team as they prepare for LA 2028.
Only time will tell if Malaysia seizes this golden opportunity to add a legendary name like Herry Iman Pierngadi to its coaching roster.
