The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) were dealt another coaching blow with the departure of men’s doubles coach Flandy Limpele, who decided not to extend his contract with the national body.

According to the BAM in a statement, efforts were made to offer new terms but proved futile as the Indonesian wishes to embark on a new journey, believed to be with the Indonesia Badminton Association.

“I feel it is the right time for me to step down. I am grateful for having the privilege to serve BAM for these two years,” said Limpele of his impending departure by the end of this week.

Limpele had hinted of his exit just hours earlier, congratulating Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin after the pair finished as runners-up of the Swiss Open with a caption that read “Thank you boys, thank you Malaysia, that’s a wrap.”

Doubles coaching chief Rexy Mainaky said Limpele had laid the groundwork for the men’s doubles department, and promised to elevate the standard of the department.

Limpele joined the national coaching in July 2020 and had done well to significantly improve the standard of the men’s doubles team.

One of his biggest achievements in his short tenure was helping Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik win bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, a feat he achieved at the 2004 Games in Athens with partner Eng Hian.

Besides that, Limpele had also improved Goh-Izzuddin as a pair, with the duo winning the German Open two weeks ago.

Tee Kai Wun-Man Wei Chong was also another young promising pair who flourished under the guidance of the 48-year-old.

The BAM would be hard pressed to revive their coaching department that saw three coaches leave in the last three months.

Former women’s doubles coach Chan Chong Ming quit the national setup at the end of last year, before Indra Wijaya followed him out the door as the women’s singles coach to take charge of Lee Zii Jia.