New doubles coach Flandy Limpele believes he can turn Malaysian pairs into top three contenders by instilling discipline and cultivating the right mental fortitude in his new charges.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) announced the Indonesian as their new coach alongside Chan Chong Ming, who will oversee the women’s doubles department in a coaching reshuffle earlier this week.
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“The aim is to get the players into the top 10 bracket, and then hone them to become a top three pairing. Discipline for me is key, that will pave the way into moulding a strong mindset.
“I haven’t seen the Malaysian shuttlers, especially Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik upclose yet. I have only seen them in action on videos. I will only be able to gauge them once I start my duty,” said Flandy.
The 2004 Olympics bronze medalist was hired by the national body based on his credentials with the Indian national team, where he harnessed men’s doubles duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty into a top 10 pair.
Flandy quit his post in March citing family reasons, and BAM swooped in for his services to boost their coaching structure.
The 46-year-old will have a top pair in Chia-Soh, currently ranked ninth, to work with to reach his short-term goal.
The next highest ranked pair in the national setup are Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin (28th).
Flandy could also get a chance to work with the independent pairings of Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong and Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, ranked 14th and 15th respectively.
All four shuttlers are in contention to make the Thomas Cup squad, and will join the national set-up for centralised training should they be shortlisted.
Flandy is expected to start work on June 15, pending the Malaysian government regulations to allow foreigners to enter the country.
