BAM coach Hendrawan hints at future return to Indonesia

Malaysian men’s singles chief Hendrawan has not ruled out returning home to Indonesia to continue his coaching career, but for now remains committed to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).

“Of course the desire is there and there have been discussions, but this is not something you decide right away. This is not the right time, but the desire to return home is there.

“It’s not whether I would like to return home or not. There are other factors, like my kids for instance who now study abroad.

"But I do speak often with the Indonesian Badminton Association and we exchange ideas. Definitely in the future I will return home,” Hendrawan told Indonesian sport portal DetikSport.

The 50-year-old handler answered reporters in Jakarta, where he was stationed for the BrightUp Cup exhibition tournament that featured the likes of Jonatan Christie, Anthony Ginting and national shuttlers Ng Tze Yong and Leong Jun Hao.

Hendrawan has been in the BAM set-up since 2009 and played an instrumental role in Lee Chong Wei’s decorated career.

He also helped Lee Zii Jia win the All-England title last year.

With Zii Jia gone from the national team this year, Hendrawan turned his attention to the likes of Ng and Leong.

Ng showed promise under the guidance of the former world champion, as he starred at the Commonwealth Games in August by winning a silver medal in the individual event.

At the BrightUp Cup, however, both Ng and Leong crashed out in the group stage.

Leong did well to beat Christie 25-23 in their first encounter, but lost to Thailand Shittikom Thammasin 20-25.

Ng lost both his matches to Chico Auro Dwi Wardoyo and and Ginting.

The final was won by Christie, who beat Ginting 25-23.