Misbun sore with Iskandar for not consulting him on intention to leave BAM
KUALA LUMPUR: Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin could not handle his emotions as he admitted he has let down national men’s singles head coach Datuk Misbun Sidek.
The 28-year-old, who announced his intention to leave the national team, broke down in tears when asked if he had consulted Misbun before making the biggest decision of his career.
Misbun is unhappy that Iskandar had told Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria of his intention to quit the national body instead of talking to him as he’s the head coach of the men’s singles department.
Iskandar, when met at the Academy Badminton Malaysia yesterday, offered no explanation for his action.
“I do not want to comment. That’s between me and him, I have apologised to him already,” he replied briefly.
But when pressed, Iskandar was choked with emotions when he said: “This is not a simple decision. I see Misbun as more than a coach as he’s like a father to me. He will always be there to inspire me and backing me up.
“He helped me a lot when I got into trouble earlier (caught smoking in the hotel room during Thomas Cup Finals in Bangkok in May).”
Iskandar confirmed that he is pursuing a professional career, believing that’s the way for him to move forward after an unfruitful stint with BAM.
But the 2009 World and Asian Junior Championships silver medallist said he would not give up on the sport because he’s still hopeful of accomplishing his life-long ambition of becoming an Olympian.
“I’m still targeting to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 ... I’m not giving up on that dream and will fight for it,” said Iskandar.
“That’s why I think it’s best that I leave BAM so that I can start afresh.”
Iskandar also made an admission of his failure in coping with the pressure and high expectation from national body and fans by saying: “By going independent, I can continue to play in a calm and peaceful environ- ment and be more focused on my goal.”
Iskandar would tender his resignation only at the end of December, citing he needs time to seek sponsors.
Misbun said he respects Iskandar’s decision to leave the national set-up but insists he must shrug off his “attitude and discipline problems” if he’s to succeed as a professional shuttler.
But Misbun was also quick to make his disappointment about Iskandar, a player who has hopes of making it big.
“I think we have already given him plenty of chances to prove his worth but he didn’t make the most of it,” lamented Misbun.
“I’m always willing to help all my players but they must first have the right attitude. At the end of the day, the coaches can only complement them with the traits they already have in themselves.
“He just couldn’t cope with what is being demanded of him during training. Not even Lin Dan’s coach could make any difference to a player lacking attitude and discipline.”