Indian badminton is set to receive a major boost with the return of Malaysian coach Tan Kim Her, who will head the Indian doubles squad for the second time for a four-year term till the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Known as a master tactician and one of the most celebrated doubles coaches in the world, Tan Kim Her’s reappointment has created a wave of excitement among players and fans alike.
The Coach Returns
Tan Kim Her first served as India’s doubles coach from 2015 to 2019, a period marked by significant growth in the country’s doubles performance. Under his guidance, India saw several breakthroughs, with players like Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy rising through the ranks to become a formidable pair on the global stage. His ability to nurture young talent and deliver results made him a fan favorite and earned him the respect of the Indian badminton fraternity.
Speaking about his return, Tan Kim Her who arrived in Hyderabad on Sunday shared, “India has immense potential in doubles badminton. My time here earlier was very fulfilling, and I’m excited to be back to build on the progress we made. The goal is to push Indian doubles to consistently compete with the world’s best.”
He will take over the charge from Denmark's Mathias Boe, who guided Satwik and Chirag after Tan's first term to many highs, including attaining the world number 1 status, winning an Asian Games gold, and securing a World Championships bronze.
The Timing Couldn't Be Better
Tan Kim Her’s comeback comes at a crucial time for Indian badminton. With the Paris Olympics just around the corner in 2024, the focus on improving doubles performance is stronger than ever. While the singles players have consistently brought laurels to the nation, the doubles teams have shown flashes of brilliance but lack the consistency to dominate the world stage.
Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, currently ranked among the top pairs globally, have already expressed their excitement about working with the veteran coach again. “Tan Kim Her’s insights and strategies played a big role in our early success. His return will help us sharpen our game further,” said Chirag.
Tan Kim Her’s Legacy and Challenges Ahead
Tan Kim Her is renowned for coaching style and meticulous approach to doubles strategy. His expertise has not been confined to India; he has also had successful stints with badminton powerhouses like Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan. His deep understanding of the game’s technicalities and his ability to identify and develop talent are expected to give Indian badminton the edge it needs.
However, the challenge this time will be even greater. The competition in doubles badminton has grown fiercer, with pairs from Indonesia, China, Japan, and Denmark consistently dominating the top ranks. Moreover, Tan Kim Her will have to ensure the Indian pairs improve their consistency, mental toughness, and adaptability on the court.
The Bigger Picture: Building Depth in Doubles
While much of the attention will be on the men’s doubles pair of Chirag and Satwik, Tan Kim Her is also expected to focus on nurturing upcoming talent in women’s and mixed doubles. Building depth across all formats is essential for India to become a true badminton superpower.
The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has expressed full support for Tan Kim Her’s vision. “We are thrilled to have him back. His previous stint brought about a cultural shift in how we approached doubles badminton. With his return, we are confident Indian doubles will reach new heights,” said a BAI official.
BAI Secretary General Sanjay Mishra said, "We had been looking for quality foreign coaches who could work with our current top players and also guide our next-generation athletes as we prepare for the 2028 Olympics. Finding the right coach took time, but we were determined to bring in someone who can continue the development of our badminton stars, work with a larger group of players, and help build a strong pipeline of talent for the future."
On his return, Tan said, "I am very happy to be back in India and get a chance to work with Satwik-Chirag, as well as the young and talented doubles players who have the potential to follow in their footsteps. I look forward to creating a larger pool of doubles combinations capable of winning tournaments on the world stage."
Fans React: Hope and Excitement
The announcement of Tan Kim Her’s return has sparked excitement on social media, with fans lauding the move as a game-changer. Hashtags like #WelcomeBackTanKimHer and #IndianDoublesOnTheRise have started trending, as fans eagerly await the transformation he is expected to bring.
Looking Ahead
With Tan Kim Her at the helm, the future of Indian badminton doubles looks promising. As the countdown to the 2028 summer Olympics begins, all eyes will be on how this celebrated coach crafts his second innings in India.
India has taken a bold step in bringing back a coach who has proven his mettle before. Can Tan Kim Her recreate the magic and script a new chapter in Indian doubles badminton? Time will tell, but one thing is certain: the journey ahead will be thrilling.
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