Outgoing Malaysian badminton coach Tan Bin Shen, best-known for coaching Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik to consecutive Olympics bronze medal at Paris 2024, is excited about his new opportunity of coaching the Hong Kong women’s doubles pair.
He will assume new duties in February after the Chinese New Year on January 29 and 30.
“Choong Hann approached me during a tournament a few months ago,” Bin Shen said at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM), Bukit Jalil, on Friday.
“I wasn’t sure initially because my children are still very young, and moving abroad is a big decision.
“But eventually, I decided to accept the Hong Kong offer.
“I hope the stint will help me grow and learn new things.
“The new role, which may also involve coaching women’s doubles, will present an exciting challenge.”
Before the departure, he will have a chance to guide Aaron-Woo and other local pairs to another podium finish at the Malaysian Open 2025, slated to run from January 5 in Kuala Lumpur.
He, however, regrets not converting the Tokyo 2020 bronze into gold in Paris 2024.
“Helping Malaysia win an Olympic gold in men’s doubles was my top goal when I became coach,” the 40-year-old said.
“However, Aaron-Wooi Yik’s bronze success in Paris is still my most memorable achievement, although I couldn’t guide them to gold.
“Despite that, I am still satisfied, as I helped other pairs achieve their goals.
“The Malaysia Open is my last tournament as a BAM coach, and my goal is to guide a local pair to glory in the Super 1000 event,” she added.
Since becoming a coach to the Malaysian team in 2020, he trained the likes of World No. 14 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, Choong Hon Jian-Haikal Nazri (No. 21), and Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King (No. 23), under his belt.