Lee Chong Wei says BAM to restructure coaching line-up after Asian Games

PETALING JAYA, Aug 11 — The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) is contemplating a restructuring of its coaching lineup post the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, with several adjustments already made to the governing body’s coaching structure. Lee Chong Wei, chairman of BAM’s Performance Committee, revealed that the proposal is still in discussion and requires refinement in consultation with his committee, coaching staff, and the BAM Council.

"I need time to restructure the coaching team, but it may be after the Asian Games as we must discuss it with the Council, Committee, Rexy (Rexy Mainaky) and Kenneth (Kenneth Jonassen)," he stated. The legend also mentioned the inclusion of junior players aged 13 and 15, who are expected to join the national squad next year, and the vacancy left by former national mixed doubles head coach Nova Widianto, who left BAM in July after joining the association in 2023.

BAM is assessing the roles of its existing coaching personnel and the arrival of former national coach Teo Kok Siang, who is set to commence his duties on September 1. Chong Wei emphasized the significance of addressing player discipline, asserting that changes would not be solely based on players' on-court performance. Instead, the focus would be on streamlining the coaching system and fostering discipline within the national squad.

He clarified that restructuring would be a gradual process requiring time to restore discipline and optimize the best possible situation for BAM. It is mentioned that the BAM Performance Committee is scheduled to convene this Friday to deliberate on the coaching structure before any proposal is advanced for consideration.