Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin, once one of Malaysia’s most promising badminton stars, is returning to where it all began — not as a player this time, but as a coach with a mission. The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has officially appointed the former world No. 23 as the head coach of the national women’s singles squad, marking a significant step in rejuvenating the department.
The 34-year-old will assume his new role on October 1, 2025, and will be based at the Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara. His return is seen as a strategic move by BAM, bringing back a familiar face who now carries a wealth of international coaching experience.
A Full-Circle Moment for Iskandar
“It feels incredible to return to BAM — not as a shuttler, but as someone ready to give back as a coach,” Iskandar shared during a statement to local media.
“This is where my badminton journey truly began, and being able to contribute to the development of our national players in this environment means a lot to me.”
Iskandar also emphasized the importance of his overseas stint. Since 2021, he has been leading Ireland’s national singles program, a role in which he achieved a major milestone by helping the nation qualify two players — Nhat Nguyen and Rachael Darragh — for the Paris 2024 Olympics, a feat considered groundbreaking for Irish badminton.
“My time in Ireland taught me countless lessons, not just in coaching, but in adapting to different environments and understanding how to maximize potential,” he said.
“Now, I’m bringing those insights home to help Malaysia’s women’s singles players rise to the next level.”
Focused on Women’s Singles Revival
Iѕkаndаr’ѕ арроіntmеnt ѕіgnаlѕ BAM’s rеnеwеd fосuѕ оn rеvіvіng the wоmеn’ѕ ѕіnglеѕ department, whісh has ѕtrugglеd tо produce elite-level rеѕultѕ in rесеnt years. Currеntlу, thе lіkеѕ of K. Letshanaa аnd Wong Lіng Chіng are соmреtіng internationally, but mаіnlу іn lower-tier tоurnаmеntѕ. The absence of Malaysian women’s singles contenders at top-tier events remains a concern.
With his international coaching experience and local roots, Iskandar is seen as a figure who can connect with the players and rebuild the squad’s confidence and competitiveness.
“There is undeniable potential in our current women’s singles pool,” Iskandar said.
“My goal is to develop their self-belief, enhance their tactical sharpness, and push their physical conditioning. I want to build a team that can compete consistently on the international stage and not just participate.”
Backed by BAM Leadership
BAM’s singles coaching director, Kenneth Jonassen, expressed confidence in the appointment, stating that Iskandar brings both the experience and the drive needed to uplift the team.
“Our women’s singles division is going through a critical rebuilding phase,” Jonassen said.
“Iskandar has proven himself overseas, and we believe he is the right coach to lead this group. His presence will help instill belief, mental toughness, and a winning mindset — all of which are essential for success on the world tour.”
A Player-Turned-Coach with a Strong Resume
As a former professional shuttler, Iskandar Zulkarnain had an impressive career of his own:
- Runner-up at the 2016 Malaysia Masters
- Member of the Malaysian squad that won bronze at the 2016 Thomas Cup and 2014 Asian Games
- Asian Junior Champion in 2009
- Double silver medalist at the 2009 World Junior Championships (boys’ singles and mixed team events)
His understanding of high-level competition, combined with his international coaching background, places him in a strong position to shape Malaysia’s future stars in women’s singles.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Women’s Badminton in Malaysia?
Iskandar’s return to BAM represents more than a professional shift — it symbolizes a new chapter in Malaysian badminton. With the national women’s singles division in urgent need of revitalization, his leadership, expertise, and passion for the sport could spark a turnaround for Malaysian women’s badminton on the global stage.
As the 2025/2026 badminton calendar approaches, all eyes will be on Bukit Kiara to see whether this bold coaching move can finally unlock the long-awaited success for Malaysia’s women shuttlers.
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