Mainaky promises to help Thai shuttlers succeed
>> Thailand’s new badminton coach Rexy Mainaky of Indonesia has vowed to guide the country to their first ever Olympic medal in the sport at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
The Badminton Association of Thailand (BAT) unveiled the former Olympic and world champion as the new national team coach at a press a conference yesterday.
The Indonesian, who has coached England, Malaysia and the Philippines, told the media that he had received many offers but opted to work with the BAT.
Mainaky said that the main factor which convinced him to make the move to Thailand was the potential of their national team players.
He said an assurance from the BAT to give him a free hand in performing his job also helped.
A doubles specialist, the 48-year-old former Indonesian star’s achievements include gold medal sat the 1996 Olympics, the world title in 1995 and back-to-back All-England crowns in 1995 and 1996.
He said he would try his best to help Thailand win their first-ever badminton medal at the Olympic Games.
“I hope to guide Thailand to success at the 2020 Olympic Games, which is the country’s ultimate target.”
Since its establishment in 1950, the BAT has yet to win an Olympic medal.
Ratchanok Intanon’s fantastic run last year gave Thailand the hope of claiming one at the 2016 Olympic, but the 2013 world champion and current world No.5 crashed out in the last-16 round.
Earlier, Boonsak Ponsana lost in the bronze medal match at the 2004 Olympics.
Thai badminton chief Patama Leeswadtrakul said yesterday Mainaky had been brought in to make a difference and that success on the international stage was the target.
“To achieve our goal, we have given him a four-year contract. However, it is to be reviewed and renewed on a yearly basis,” she said.
“Apart from the players, he will also train our coaches.”
Because the coach is a doubles specialist, Patama said she would hire another coach to help him in the singles event.