Star Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth has hired an Indonesian coach to improve his game in preparation for next year’s tournament with the Paris Olympics in mind.
The qualification period for the 2024 Olympics began on May 1 and Srikanth, who was struggling with form, roped in the services of Vempi Mahardi to help him with his training.
“I have been trying to get a coach since December 2021, when Agus left. Now I have an Indonesian coach Wiempi Nahardi. I met him when I went to Indonesia for three weeks. came to India,” former world number one Srikkanth told PTI.
India is yet to appoint a foreign coach for men’s singles players since the sudden departure of Indonesia’s Agus Dwi Santoso in December 2021. After PV Sindhu’s split from Park Tae Sang in February, Korean men are helping singles players.
“I was trying to get a coach through TOPS but somehow, it didn’t work out. In January, I sent the offer to SAI and since then it has been stuck. Since the Olympic qualification period is also in May was starting, so I couldn’t wait any longer, so I decided to do it myself,” Srikkanth said.
A former World Top 25 player, Mahradi has over 10 years of coaching experience, having trained players in various clubs across countries.
Srikkanth achieved phenomenal success in 2017 when Indonesian coach Mulyo Handyo took over the training. The Indian won four titles that season. Another Indonesian coach, Agus Dwi Santoso, had an impact on him when he joined the Indian set-up in 2020.
“I don’t think it (a personal coach) will work for everyone but it worked for me in the past. When Mulyo was there, I did really well, and when Agus was there I did well. So it’s Indonesian style.” works for me.” , That’s why I needed a coach.
“Playing without a coach is not easy, I mean it is the minimum requirement for a player,” said the player managed by Baseline Ventures.
However, Srikanth did not get time to train with his new coach as he attended the selection trials for the Asian Games. He finished on top with six wins in as many matches to qualify for the individual events.
“I could not really train with her because when I came back from the Asia Badminton Championships, I had no time. I had two days before the trials and two days after the trials. After the upcoming Asian events, I Hope to get some time to train with him.” Srikanth faced a tough 2023, managing one quarterfinal finish in seven tournaments, which saw his ranking slip from world No. 13 to No. 22.
“I was playing well in the last few tournaments but couldn’t win those close matches. Once I start doing that it will make a big difference. Let’s see what I can get from the next four tournaments which I’m playing.”
“Badminton also keeps on evolving, there will be someone who will come and dominate and people have to come up with an alternative formula.” Srikanth won a silver at the World Championships in 2021 before guiding India to a historic Thomas Cup win last year.
He said, “I did well in 2021 and 2022 till the Commonwealth Games and then others slowly started getting better and I could stay there. You need to keep improving, and that is also one of the important reasons to be a coach.” “
With only the top 20 players getting direct entry into the Asian Games, the 30-year-old from Guntur, ranked 22nd, had to attend the selection trials for the first time.
“I think this is the first time that I have played trials for the Asian Games. As long as there is a certain rule, I am fine with it. Of course, it is a bit tiring, as I am a bit tired after playing two matches. It’s time.” In a day,” Srikkanth said.
“Younger players won’t realize this, but it was tough for me to play two matches. When I was 19-20, I used to play 5-6 games a day, my body took that load then, but I didn’t put My body is through it now. Also the Olympic qualification period has started and it is a challenge for the players.” Next up for Srikanth is the Sudirman Cup, a mixed team championship, starting May 14 in Suzhou, China.
“We have a strong team, but we need to perform, as we did in the Thomas Cup. I think we have a better team. In previous years, we had good singles and then missed out on doubles We have a better team this time. Very strong singles and doubles,” he said.
India has been placed in Group C along with Malaysia, Chinese Taipei, Australia.
“Last time in the Thomas Cup, Satwik and Chirag won every tie, it made a big difference. In most of the last Sudirman Cup, we lost 3-2, it was a couple of wins against teams like Malaysia. , Taipei, Japan or Korea, then they will make a big difference.
“With the good performance of our men’s and women’s doubles, it clearly gives us a better chance this time.”