A seismic shift has just rocked Malaysian badminton, with the arrival of master tactician Harry Hartono heralding a new, ambitious era for the national men's singles contingent. His mission? To forge a path to Olympic gold and elevate Malaysian shuttlers to the pinnacle of world badminton.
Key Points:
- Harry Hartono has officially begun his tenure as Malaysia's men's singles coach at Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM).
- He dismisses pressure, focusing solely on elevating Malaysian shuttlers to World No. 1 and World Champion status.
- His appointment is a key move in Malaysia's long-term strategy for Olympic gold at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
- Hartono is impressed by the fighting spirit of talents like Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh.
A Master Strategist Takes the Reins at BAM
Hartono officially commenced his role at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) on February 10, committing to a contract that stretches until 2028. This long-term vision clearly signals BAM's serious intent to invest in top-tier coaching talent.
Despite his impressive track record guiding Indonesian legends like Anthony Ginting and Jonatan Christie to global success, the Indonesian maestro remains unfazed by external expectations. "I don't feel any pressure because, for me, this is about professionalism," Hartono stated, emphasizing his immediate focus on the task at hand.
Setting Sights on Badminton's Pinnacle
The experienced coach, who also honed the skills of world No. 6 Chou Tien Chen during a five-year stint in Taiwan, sees this move as a fresh, invigorating challenge. "What probably made me move to BAM is the prospect of a new challenge," he explained, highlighting his thirst for new frontiers.
Hartono isn't here for small goals. His audacious targets include developing Malaysian shuttlers capable of clinching the coveted World No. 1 ranking and becoming World Champions. This aligns perfectly with the overarching goal of securing Malaysia's first-ever Olympic gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Early Impressions: Raw Talent and Fierce Spirit
Working alongside existing coaches Tey Seu Bock and K. Yogendran, Hartono wasted no time in assessing his new charges. He was notably encouraged by the sheer competitiveness displayed during his initial training sessions.
"I am very happy to see that the players have a good fighting spirit," he remarked. Specifically, he lauded the mentality of world No. 26 Leong Jun Hao and world No. 39 Justin Hoh, observing their "very good fighting spirit and a sense of responsibility." The next crucial step, he noted, is to cultivate unwavering consistency.
The Road Ahead: Tailoring Strategies
National singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen will meticulously finalize Hartono's specific responsibilities following a month-long assessment period. This structured approach ensures a tailored strategy for maximum impact and player development.
While Hartono is understandably cautious about revealing tactical overhauls so early, he underscored that technical and physical enhancements remain the immediate priority. His expertise promises a rigorous program designed for peak performance and sustained success.
An Indonesian Touch Across Malaysian Badminton
Hartono joins a growing roster of esteemed Indonesia-born coaches making significant contributions to Malaysian badminton. This strong contingent includes Rexy Mainaky (doubles coaching director), Herry Iman Pierngadi, Muhammad Miftakh (men's doubles), and Nova Widianto (mixed doubles).
Their collective experience and winning mentality are poised to inject a powerful competitive edge across all disciplines, fueling Malaysia's quest for international glory and bringing national pride to the forefront.
