Bukit Jalil: Ireland badminton team’s singles head coach Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin has confirmed that he has been approached by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to join their ranks. However, the former Malaysian men’s singles player could not confirm the position offered to him by the national governing body.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Iskandar mentioned, ‘Someone (from BAM) did contact me, but let’s see how things go. I still have a contract (with Ireland) until 2028.’ He emphasized the need to weigh his personal and professional goals, mentioning that Nhat Nguyen, Ireland’s men’s singles shuttler, is still young and how his decision would impact his family currently residing in Ireland.

Iskandar, 33, expressed his determination to prove himself as a coach, especially after elevating Nguyen’s performance to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Since starting his coaching stint in Ireland in 2022, he has been focused on producing players capable of achieving success at future European Badminton Championships.

If he fulfills his current contract, Iskandar aims to help Ireland challenge the traditional dominance of Denmark, England, and France in European badminton. He has initiated a junior program with training sessions scheduled for mornings and evenings, hoping this development will propel Ireland further in the sport.