KUALA LUMPUR – Former Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) junior development director (singles), Datuk Misbun Sidek, played coy about his future today.
Speaking at a press conference, he said despite receiving multiple coaching offers from Europe and neighbouring countries after his departure from the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), he prefers to take a well-deserved rest before considering the future.
“In the past few weeks after being let go from BAM, I have received a few offers.
“I haven’t decided yet on my future. I want to rest because it’s been a long time since I’ve had a break… I want to go fishing first,” quipped Misbun, adding that he had received four to five offers.
When pressed on which countries approached him, he refused to comment.
The Thomas Cupper also confirmed his decision to reject an offer from BAM to return.
“I have made the decision to reject the offer because I don’t want to disrupt the preparations of the juniors who will be heading to the World Junior Championships,” he said.
Last month, BAM announced that Misbun had agreed to mutually part ways after a dismal showing by his players at the Asian Junior Badminton Championships in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, held earlier that month.
Misbun then held a press conference to deny that he had accepted a mutual termination of his contract.
BAM president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria then apologised for the miscommunication and offered to extend Misbun’s contract until the end of the year.
However, Misbun chose to part ways with BAM for good, and the national body “considers the case closed.”
The World Junior Championships this year will take place from September 25 to October 8 in Spokane, Washington, in the United States. – August 20, 2023