KUALA LUMPUR – Less than a year after steering Malaysia to its first-ever mixed doubles world title, Nova Widianto has resigned as the Badminton Association of Malaysia’s (BAM) national mixed doubles head coach, bringing an end to a transformative tenure that elevated the country’s standing in the discipline.
BAM announced today that Nova’s resignation will take effect on July 31, ending his two-and-a-half-year stint with the national body.
The Indonesian, a two-time world champion during his playing career, joined BAM on Jan 1, 2023, and quickly reshaped Malaysia’s mixed doubles programme.
His biggest achievement came last year when Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei captured the country’s first-ever mixed doubles world title in Paris. He also played a key role in the rise of Hoo Pang Ron and Cheng Su Yin as one of Malaysia’s leading pairs.
In a statement, Nova thanked BAM for the opportunity to serve Malaysian badminton and expressed his appreciation to the players, coaches and support staff who had supported him throughout his tenure.
“I would like to thank BAM for giving me the opportunity to be part of the Malaysian badminton family,” said Nova.
“It has been a privilege to work with the players, coaches and support staff, and I am grateful for the support I have received throughout my time in Malaysia. I wish everyone at BAM continued success in the future.”
BAM president Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz praised Nova’s dedication and described his impact on the national mixed doubles programme as significant.
“Coach Nova has served Malaysian badminton with dedication and professionalism, and his contribution to the development of our mixed doubles programme has been significant,” Tengku Zafrul said.
“The historic world title won by Tang Jie and Ee Wei was a proud moment for Malaysian badminton and an important milestone during his tenure.
“On behalf of BAM, I thank Coach Nova for his service and wish him and his family every success and happiness as they begin their next chapter in Indonesia.”
BAM said Nova is expected to return to Indonesia to rejoin the national set-up as a mixed doubles coach.
Neither BAM nor Nova disclosed the reason for his departure.
His resignation comes during a difficult period for Malaysia’s top mixed doubles pair, Tang Jie and Ee Wei, who have struggled to replicate the form that delivered the world title amid inconsistent performances and injury setbacks.
Earlier this month, Ee Wei underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery on her left knee, forcing the pair to withdraw from next month’s World Championships as she begins her rehabilitation. – July 30, 2026