Former Malaysia national shuttler Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin is set to rejoin the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) as a singles coach, effective October 1. BAM successfully persuaded Iskandar to leave his current role as the national coach for Ireland to take up this new position.
Datuk Kenny Goh, BAM secretary-general, confirmed the appointment, stating, “We have appointed Iskandar to strengthen our singles coaching team. He will join on Oct 1.” Goh added that the specific role Iskandar will undertake – whether guiding the women’s or men’s singles – will be decided by singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen.
The appointment comes as BAM sought a replacement for women’s singles coach Jeffer Rosobin, who resigned at the end of February.
Iskandar, 33, has made a significant impact during his four years coaching in Ireland. He has been credited with the rise of men’s singles player Nhat Nguyen, who is now ranked No. 31 in the world, and has played a crucial role in elevating the profile of Irish badminton. Under his guidance, Ireland achieved a major milestone by qualifying two players, Nguyen and women’s singles shuttler Rachael Darragh, for the Paris Olympics last August.