A coach has the ability to change a game, but a great coach can change a life. This famous saying by American basketball coach John Wooden resonates deeply with Herry Iman Pierngadi, Malaysia’s national men’s doubles coach.
At 62, Herry is so committed to Wooden’s philosophy that he displays the quote, rather than a photo of himself, on his WhatsApp profile. His belief in this principle has been key to his success in transforming the Malaysian men’s doubles team in just six months.
Under Herry’s guidance, the team has seen a remarkable turnaround. From a disappointing performance at the All-England in March, where none of the men’s doubles pairs made it past the first round, the Malaysian team has secured five titles in the first half of the year. These victories include success from former world champions Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, as well as the rising pair of Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun.
Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik claimed the Asian Championships, Thailand Open, and Singapore Open titles, while Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun won the Malaysian Masters and reached the final of the Indonesian Open, all under Herry’s leadership since February.
“I believe the role of a coach is more than just technical training,” said Herry, who signed a four-year contract with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM). “It’s about making a real difference in the lives of the players. I want them to succeed not just on the court, but off it as well. It’s about trust, communication, and building a relationship where I’m almost like a father figure to them.”
Herry’s calm demeanor and decades of experience as Indonesia’s long-serving doubles coach have had a profound effect on the Malaysian players. The next challenge, according to Herry, is maintaining this momentum for the second half of the year.
“I take great joy in seeing my players do well,” he shared. “It’s been incredible to watch Man and Tee reach the final of the Indonesian Open, and Aaron and Wooi Yik stay consistent for three consecutive weeks.”
“The biggest sense of accomplishment for me is witnessing the change in their mindset. They now play with much more confidence,” he added.
Looking ahead, all eyes are on the World Championships in Paris this August. After Aaron and Wooi Yik’s historic win at the 2022 World Championships in Japan—Malaysia’s first men’s doubles title at the event—there is hope for more success in 2025. The team will first face the back-to-back Japan Open from July 15-20 and China Open from July 22-27.
Last year, professional shuttlers Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani clinched both the men’s doubles titles at the Japan and China Opens, setting a high bar for the team this season.
Related topics:
- Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand Storm Into Pre-Quarterfinals at Indonesia Open
- Indonesia Open 2025: A New Chapter Begins Without Axelsen
- Loh Kean Yew Stuns Popov in Comeback Victory at Singapore Open
