Misbun shows no signs of slowing down in juggling coaching duties
PETALING JAYA: There are no signs of Datuk Misbun Sidek slowing down in running his professional club Nusa Mahsuri.
With a full-time job as the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) national junior development director and with the restricted movement control order set to run until end of this year, one would have thought the club’s activities would take a backseat.
But the 60-year-old former international has travelled to four states – Terengganu, Kedah, Negri Sembilan and Perlis – to conduct coaching clinics during weekends.
“The club work has to continue but we’ve changed the age group and reduced the number of participants due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Misbun, who completed the Perlis leg yesterday.
“All the legs are now open to players from the age of 18-60 as children at this moment are not allowed to play.
“The attendance has also been limited to 30 at every clinic. It’s great to see people are still excited to attend our training under the circumstances.”
Misbun also used his travels to monitor the progress of the respective state’s programmes.
“Whenever I’m in a state, I take the opportunity to connect with BAM’s affiliates and visit their training sessions,” added Misbun.
“It gives me an idea on what goes on at the ground too and I get to see the quality of players that we have at state level.”
Asked how he coped with his constant juggling act, Misbun said: “I’m doing it because I still enjoy doing it. It’s all linked anyway – from club to national level.”
If only there are more coaches with the same fervour, dedication and passion like Misbun, our badminton will be thriving at all levels.