Tensions have eased between Malaysian men's doubles coach Herry Iman Pierngadi and rising star Haikal Nazri after a recent controversy surrounding the Swiss Open. Haikal’s unilateral decision to withdraw from the Basel tournament caused friction with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) coaching staff and left the pair’s season momentum in jeopardy.
The withdrawal came as a surprise, especially after the duo’s early exit at the All England, which had made the Swiss Open a key opportunity to regain confidence. Coach Herry expressed frustration, questioning whether Haikal’s reported ankle injury justified skipping the event. The incident was seen as a lapse in judgment and a potential breach of trust within the national team.
Beyond the immediate tournament, the withdrawal affected Haikal and partner Choong Hon Jian’s chances to improve their ranking. Currently ranked world No.30, the pair has struggled with inconsistent results and recurring injuries over the past two years, making each competitive opportunity critical.
Source: Scoop.my
Haikal has since apologized to Coach Herry, who accepted the apology, highlighting the importance of moving forward. "My character is not one that holds grudges. He is still young and has made mistakes, so I have no issue forgiving him because we are only human," Herry said.
However, forgiveness comes with clear expectations. Coach Herry has asked Haikal to formalize his commitment with a written promise to demonstrate focus and accountability. "My message to him is to stay focused and to make a written promise because usually words alone are easily forgotten," Herry explained, stressing the importance of discipline and long-term vision for national players.
With the relationship mended, Haikal and Choong Hon Jian now face the challenge of proving that this reconciliation marks a turning point. Consistent performances, dedication to training, and proactive development will be key for regaining full trust and establishing themselves as reliable contenders for Malaysia’s Thomas Cup and other major tournaments.
