New Malaysia mixed doubles coach Nova Widianto gave himself a challenge to ensure at least one pair from the national set-up making the cut to the Paris 2024 Olympics, a test which begins at the Malaysia Open (January 10-15).
The Indonesian handler, who started work only this week, had his work cut out for him with Hoo Pang Ron-Teoh Mei Xing and Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei being newly paired up recently.
But before even the start of the Olympic qualifications mission in May, Nova is looking at the Malaysia Open for an initial assessment to decide if the pairs could cut it at the highest level.
“Both pairs are new, but they have already won two events. Their potential is definitely there, but I want to see if they possess the desire and hunger for success. As for now, I want to see if they can combine well as pairings.
“I’ve given myself a challenge to get at least one pair to the 2024 Olympics,” said Nova.
Hoo-Teoh, ranked 158 in the world, won the Malaysia International Challenge last month, while Chen-Toh also bagged the Bangladesh International Challenge in December.
However, the Malaysia Open would be at a completely different level with the world’s top shuttlers on display.
Hoo-Teoh face Japanese pair Kyohei Yamashita-Naru Shinoya, while Chen-Toh are up against fellow Malaysians Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing.
With the appointment of Nova, doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky said the department was settled.
“We are not looking for anybody else at the moment, even though we may add a men’s doubles assistant coach in the future,” he said.
Nova replaced Paulus Firman who left the national body last year.
