Outgoing National Men’s Doubles Coach Reflects on His Tenure
Tan Bin Shen, the outgoing national men’s doubles head coach, has fulfilled 60 per cent of his personal goals since taking up the job in December 2020. However, he expressed disappointment at not being able to guide 2022 world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik to secure the Paris 2024 Olympic gold medal.
Unfulfilled Aspirations
Bin Shen, who ends his service with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) on January 13, said the 40 per cent unfulfilled aspirations included his inability to guide Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik to secure the Paris 2024 Olympic gold medal.
"For me, the 2024 Olympics is among the most memorable because it was my first time there. I could feel that many people hoped the men’s doubles (Aaron-Wooi Yik) would win gold, but they only made it to the semi-finals," he told reporters during a training session.
Improvement of Men’s Doubles Players
Bin Shen also expressed satisfaction with the improvement shown by the country’s men’s doubles players under his guidance, including Muhammad Haikal Nazri and Wan Arif Wan Junaidi, who did well at several international tournaments.
Farewell Gift
The 40-year-old coach hopes his charges will give him a farewell gift by winning the Malaysian Open 2025, scheduled from January 7-12. This tournament will mark his final task before joining the Hong Kong national squad in February.
New Role in Hong Kong
Regarding his new role in Hong Kong, Bin Shen said he has been offered a two-year contract to coach their doubles squad, which includes overseeing the women’s and mixed doubles.
"The Hong Kong squad is not very large, so all doubles categories will train together," said Bin Shen, who will join two other Malaysian coaches in Hong Kong, Jeremy Gan and Loh Wei Sheng.
Recruitment
Bin Shen revealed that former Malaysian men’s singles player Wong Choong Hann, now the head coach of Hong Kong’s national squad, played a key role in recruiting him for his new job.
"A few months back, Choong Hann approached me during a tournament, but at that time, I wasn’t sure yet because I had to consider my family," he said.
The former national player added that he has not yet planned to bring his family to Hong Kong and will head there alone for now.
Conclusion
Tan Bin Shen’s tenure as national men’s doubles head coach has been marked by both success and disappointment. While he has fulfilled 60 per cent of his personal goals, he is still seeking to guide his players to greater heights. His new role in Hong Kong presents a fresh challenge, and he hopes to make a positive impact on the team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What percentage of your personal goals have you fulfilled as national men’s doubles head coach?
A: 60 per cent
Q: What is your biggest disappointment as national men’s doubles head coach?
A: Not being able to guide Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik to secure the Paris 2024 Olympic gold medal
Q: What is your new role in Hong Kong?
A: I have been offered a two-year contract to coach their doubles squad, which includes overseeing the women’s and mixed doubles.
Q: Will you be bringing your family to Hong Kong?
A: Not yet, I will head there alone for now.