The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) is facing a challenge in finding a new national mixed doubles head coach following the departure of Nova Widianto, with several preferred candidates unavailable because of existing contractual commitments.
BAM performance committee chairman Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei said the search has been difficult, as many experienced coaches are already tied to their respective national teams until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Widianto left BAM on July 31 to return to Indonesia's national badminton setup, leaving a key position vacant as Malaysia prepares for the next phase of its Olympic campaign.
Among the coaches approached by BAM were former national coach Chin Eei Hui, who is now based in New Zealand, and Jeremy Gan, who is working in Hong Kong. However, both remain committed to their current positions, limiting BAM's options.
"We are still looking, but it is not easy to find a coach because most of them are already under contract until the 2028 Olympics," Lee said.
He added that local candidates also face similar contractual restrictions, forcing BAM to consider a wider range of options as it searches for a suitable replacement.
The appointment is becoming increasingly important with the qualification process for the 2028 Olympics scheduled to begin next year. Securing the right coach would give Malaysia greater stability as its mixed doubles programme prepares for the demanding qualification campaign.
One possible option is Pang Cheh Chang, BAM's national junior doubles head coach. Lee confirmed that Pang's name is on the list of potential candidates, although no final decision has been made.
BAM will discuss the shortlisted candidates at committee level before submitting its recommendations to association president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz for final approval. An official announcement will follow once the selection process is complete.
Widianto's departure leaves BAM with the task of maintaining the progress made under his guidance. During his tenure, the Indonesian coach played an important role in developing Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei into a competitive international mixed doubles pair.
With the Olympic qualification period approaching, BAM must balance the need to appoint an experienced coach with the importance of finding someone who can work effectively with its existing players. Whether the association chooses an overseas candidate or promotes from within, the appointment will be an important step in shaping Malaysia's mixed doubles prospects for Los Angeles 2028.
