UPBA ropes in coach from Indonesia

After getting the status of a national training centre last year,the Uttar Pradesh Badminton Academy has become hub of training for junior shuttlers with important camps being held here. Till recently,the Academy had an internationally renowned coach in Thomas John who used to coach not only the Academy trainees but also guided the national campers. After Thomas’ contract ended,the Uttar Pradesh Badminton Association roped in former international player from Indonesia Hendra Mulyno for coaching the young talent. Presently,Hendra is in Jaipur observing the players in the junior national badminton championships and is expected to reach Lucknow by February 13.

Talking to The Indian Express,vice-president Badminton Association of India (BAI),TPS Puri said,“Hendra has been a good shuttler at the international level. Besides playing for the Indonesian team,at club level,he used to play from Djarum badminton club there. Although the 24-year-old has given up playing at the international level of late,he has coaching experience as well. As the Academy at Lucknow has been given recognition by the Government of India,important camps would be organised there and Hendra will be helping not only the Academy trainees but also the India team campers. The Academy could see another foreign coach soon. The BAI intends to nurture at Lucknow a core group of players for 2016 and 2020 Olympics.”

Puri,however,clarified that Hendra’s services have been hired by the UPBA. “Presently,he is on a two-month visa and we are hopeful of it getting extended by a year,” he added.

The trainees of the UPBA are eagerly waiting for Hendra’s arrival as they are well aware of Indonesia’s might in the sport of badminton!