Kuala Lumpur: Former world No. 4 Indra Wijaya, who moved to Singapore after representing Indonesia from 1995 to 2000, will join Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) as their new men’s singles coach on Feb 9.
The Indonesian is currently working under the Badminton Korea Association (BKA), where he worked closely with the players such as Son Wan-ho, Lee Dong-keun and 20-year-old Jeon Hyeok-jin who claimed victory at the Macau Open in November 2015.
Talking to Malaysian media, Technical Director of BAM Morten Frost said Wijaya’s experience as both a coach and a former player could be helpful in instructing and motivating the players.
“Wijaya is a credible and experienced coach, his past experience as a player would help build efficacy,” said Frost.
Upon his arrival in BAM, Wijaya will in take charge of seven players namely Cheam June Wei, R. Satheishtharan, Chin Wai Kin, Tan Jia Wei, Lee Zii Jia and two new BAM players Yeoh Seng Zoe and Muhammad Shafiq.
Frost also noted that Wijaya’s arrival would help lighten the burdens of Tey Seu Bock and Hendrawan who are currently working with both the junior and the senior teams.
Indra had a decorated playing career for Indonesia, winning the Thomas Cup in 1996 and 1998 with the national team. He is also the elder brother of 2000 Sydney Olympics gold medalist Candra Wijaya. He reached his career best world ranking of four in 1996, but moved to Singapore in 2000 and started representing Singapore in several international tournaments.
