The **Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM)** is making a power play, injecting championship DNA directly into its women's doubles program. This isn't just a new hire; it's a strategic move to sculpt future champions by leveraging proven experience.
Key Takeaways:
- **Zakry Latif**, former **World No. 4** and **Indonesia Open** winner, joins **BAM** as assistant women's doubles coach.
- His primary mission: elevate back-up pairs to challenge the dominance of **Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah**.
- **Rexy Mainaky** emphasizes **Zakry's** invaluable player experience as a crucial asset for inspiring younger talent.
- This appointment signals a renewed focus on depth and consistent performance within the national squad.
A Champion's Return: Zakry Latif's New Mandate
**Zakry Latif**, a name synonymous with Malaysian doubles excellence, is back in the national fold. Appointed as assistant women's doubles coach, his arrival underpins a clear objective set by national doubles coaching director **Rexy Mainaky**. The goal is simple yet ambitious: bridge the quality chasm between the elite **Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah** and the promising but developing back-up pairs.
This isn't merely about adding another coach. It's about leveraging the unique perspective of someone who has stood at the pinnacle of the sport. **Zakry** brings firsthand knowledge of what it takes to succeed on the global stage.
Rexy's Vision: Tapping into World-Class Experience
**Rexy Mainaky**, the mastermind behind many Malaysian doubles successes, including **Zakry's** own rise to **World No. 4** in 2009, sees immense potential in this move. He believes **Zakry's** decorated playing career provides an unparalleled resource for women's doubles coach **Rosman Razak**.
While **Rosman** fine-tunes **Pearly-Thinaah**, **Zakry** will meticulously guide emerging talents like **Carmen Ting-Ong Xin Yee**. "**Zakry** can give very positive input," **Rexy** asserted, highlighting the former international's ability to inspire. This strategic division of labor aims to ensure no talent is left behind in the pursuit of consistent world-class performance.
The Path to Greatness: Mentorship from a Medalist
**Zakry Latif's** pedigree is undeniable. Alongside **Fairuzizuan Tazari**, he clinched four international titles, including the historic 2008 **Indonesia Open** – a feat no Malaysian men's doubles pair has matched since. Their bronze medal at the 2009 **World Championships** further solidifies his standing as a player who understood how to win big.
Beginning his duties on February 18, **Zakry** is eager to translate his journey into actionable lessons for the next generation. "I will give my best to inspire the back-up pairs," he stated, acknowledging the high bar set by **Pearly-Thinaah** as role models. He aims to instill the consistency and winning mentality required to compete at the highest level.
Broadening the Coaching Horizon at BAM
**Zakry's** appointment is part of a broader push by **BAM** to strengthen its coaching infrastructure. He joins **Yeoh Kay Bin** (junior singles coach) and **Harry Hartono** (men's singles assistant coach) as new additions.
This collective injection of talent underscores **Badminton Malaysia's** commitment to developing a robust pipeline of champions across all disciplines. The future looks bright as these experienced minds begin to shape the next era of Malaysian badminton.
