Indonesian coaches for Sukma badminton squad

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Abdul Hadi Abdul Kadir

Abdul Hadi Abdul Kadir

KUCHING: The Sarawak Badminton Association (SBA) are in the process of getting a new coach from Indonesia in preparation for next year’s Sukma in Sarawak.

SBA secretary Abdul Hadi Abdul Kadir said coach Suhairuddin will officially start training the Sukma shadow team next month.

Suhairuddin, who hails from Pontianak, will assume the position of head coach and he will be assisted by another Indonesian Rukita.

“Suhairuddin possesses a coaching certificate recognised by the Indonesian national badminton body PBSI and we hope that with his expertise and guidance, the state team can win medals in Sukma XVIII,” he said.

Hadi said SBA had already commenced preparations for the Sukma challenge next July by naming a shadow team of 16 shuttlers including eight women.

In the men’s team are the twin brothers Adam Lau Yu Ming and Alfred Lau Yu Leong, Clement Chieng Jia Yew, Kam Sing Siong, Eric Jong Zie Sheng and Wilson Lau Ngie Ding.

The women’s team include Kourtney Kho Ker Yin, Viviene Kua Yun Jen, Kam Wei Li and Yong Ping Ping.

Hadi added that the final selection for the state Sukma squad will be done in January through a tournament to be held at SBA badminton hall in the same month.

“We will be using the said tournament as the selection ground for the final squad for Sukma XVIII,” he said.

Other preparations to strengthen the state squad, Hadi continued, included sending players to compete in national tournaments and even overseas to countries such as
Indonesia.

SBA are also planning to invite players from outside Sarawak especially from Indonesia to come to “spar” with the Sukma squad.

The badminton competition of Sukma XVIII, offering seven gold medals, will be held at the Sibu Indoor Stadium.