KUALA LUMPUR: Professional doubles head coach Teo Kok Siang admits he has his hands full as more independent pairs choose to train under him.
But bringing in an assistant coach is not easy, given the limited funding at the professional doubles training camp in Sri Petaling, Kuala Lumpur.
The camp recently secured the services of physiotherapist Aela Shamira Jamal Shaaban, who now provides treatment to players after training sessions and tournaments.
Aela is no stranger to the sports scene, having spent over a decade at the National Sports Institute (NSI), specialising in sports injuries and rehabilitation for national athletes.
With Kok Siang and Aela at the helm, they oversee the progress of several top doubles pairs, including world No. 2 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, Teo Ee Yi-Ong Yew Sin, Nur Azriyn Ayub-Tan Wee Kiong, Boon Xin Yuan-Lee Yi Bo, and Goh V Shem, who is currently partnering South Korea’s Choi Sol-gyu.
In the mixed doubles, Kok Siang also trains Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie, Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing, Wong Tien Ci-Lim Chiew Sien, as well as Jimmy Wong, who will pair up with Pei Jing after Kian Meng’s retirement.
Additionally, Chia Wei Jie-Lwi Sheng Hao are also among those training under Kok Siang.
“I admit it’s tough, but I see it as my responsibility. I train them, and at the same time, they also need to understand my situation, so we support each other,’’ said Kok Siang.
“Not all players here come from privileged backgrounds, so I have to give my best in coaching them. At the same time, I truly appreciate their understanding, knowing that I am the only one training all of them.
“We do have a physiotherapist, but the focus is mainly on six key double players who regularly compete in tournaments.
“Having an assistant would be helpful, but it all comes down to the players’ budget. They are independent players who handle everything themselves without external support.
“If they want an assistant, there has to be additional funding. Honestly, the decision is entirely up to them, as I have no say in the matter.”
Kok Siang joined the professional doubles coaching set-up in 2023 to support Rosman Razak, who left last November to rejoin the Badminton Association of Malaysia as the women’s doubles coach.
The Johor-born Kok Siang is currently preparing most of the professional players for the All-England, which begins next Tuesday, with a tough draw awaiting many of them.
Soon Huat-Shevon, despite being the top seeds, will face Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Supissara Paewsampran in the first round, while Kian Meng-Pei Jing will take on Taiwan’s Chen Cheng-kuan-Hsu Yin-hui.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin are set to meet South Korea’s Kim Gi-jung-Kim Sa-rang, while Ee Yi-Yew Sin will go up against England’s Ben Lane-Sean Vendy. Meanwhile, Azriyn-Wee Kiong will face Kang Min-hyuk-Ki Dong-ju.
“I feel the draw is quite challenging for us, but we will give our best for Malaysians. I just hope the players don’t put too much pressure on themselves and focus on enjoying each match.
“I don’t want to talk about specific targets, but my approach is to take it one match at a time,” he added.
