Malaysian badminton icon Datuk Misbun Sidek, a name synonymous with excellence in the sport, has embarked on a mission to elevate Indian badminton. After mentoring three world No. 1 players, including his brother Datuk Rashid Sidek, Roslin Hashim, and the legendary Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei, Misbun is now aiming to nurture his fourth top-ranked athlete on the international stage.
The 65-year-old coach has officially joined the Hatsun Badminton Centre in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu. This marks his first professional coaching venture outside Malaysia and demonstrates a strong commitment to raising the standard of Indian badminton. Known for identifying and refining talent, Misbun sees India as a region full of untapped potential.
“Indian badminton has been producing many young talents recently, especially from clubs, and many are already competing internationally,” Misbun said in a video from his Malaysian club, Nusa Mahsuri. The combination of India’s emerging talent and the challenge of a new environment made the opportunity irresistible.
Misbun’s presence at Hatsun is designed to provide a structured, elite-level development pathway for Indian players. Working closely with local coach Rajinikanth, he plans to implement tailored training programs that build on his proven methods.
One promising prospect is S. Rithvik Sanjeevi, currently ranked World No. 88 and the 2024 Super 100 Odisha Masters champion. Misbun’s expertise could accelerate Sanjeevi’s development, potentially shaping him into India’s next major badminton star and, possibly, Misbun’s fourth world No. 1.
With a career defined by producing champions, Misbun Sidek’s venture into India signals an exciting new chapter not just for the players under his guidance but for the future of Indian badminton as a whole.
