Latest news with #BadmintonIreland
The Star
06-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
From humble roots to big vision for Irish coach Seng Zoe
PETALING JAYA: Newly appointed Ireland men's singles coach Yeoh Seng Zoe (pic) knows he has big shoes to fill following the departure of Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin, but he is ready to take on the challenge. The 27-year-old was handed the role after Iskandar decided to take up the position of women's singles coach with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM). Seng Zoe was no stranger to Irish badminton, having already been based there as a sparring partner for national No. 1 Nhat Nguyen before gradually transitioning into coaching, first with the junior squad. Now entrusted with leading the national team, Seng Zoe admitted he was both excited and surprised to be given the opportunity to take charge of a fast-rising side making waves not only in Europe but also on the World Tour. With Iskandar set to begin his new role in Malaysia on Oct 1, Seng Zoe is determined to make the most of the next three months by learning as much as he can to prepare himself for the responsibilities ahead. 'I started off handling the junior squad, but now I've been appointed as the national team coach, which comes with greater responsibilities. It's a big challenge for me, but also a valuable opportunity, and I hope to do well. 'I want to learn as much as I can from Iskandar, not just about on-court training, but also how to manage the players better.' 'I know it'll be tough because he has taken Irish badminton to the next level, but I'll do my best to fill his shoes,',' said Seng Zoe. For Seng Zoe, the opportunity given by Badminton Ireland is one he truly values, knowing that his own journey in the sport has been anything but smooth. Although he was once crowned the national Under-18 champion in 2015, he struggled with form and eventually made the bold decision to leave BAM in 2017 to pursue a professional career. 'As a player, I didn't achieve much, but now I hope to help other players reach their dreams as a coach,' he added.
The Star
02-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Ireland continues to be Yeoh's happy hunting ground
PETALING JAYA: From a champion to a coach, the fortune of former national shuttler Yeoh Seng Zoe (pic) has changed in just four years on Irish soil. The 27-year-old Seng Zoe has been named as the national singles coach of Ireland. In 2021, he won the Irish Open title after beating Denmark's Mads Christophersen in the final. Badminton Ireland have wasted no time in naming Seng Zoe as the replacement for Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin to take charge of their squad. Seng Zoe is already a familiar face in Ireland, having spent the past four years in the country. He initially joined as a sparring partner to assist Iskandar, who was then the national men's singles coach, in preparing Nhat Nguyen for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He was later absorbed into the national coaching set-up and eventually promoted to performance coach. On Monday, Badminton Ireland confirmed that Seng Zoe will now assume the role of national singles coach, succeeding Iskandar. The governing body is hoping the 27-year-old can build on the foundations laid by Iskandar in strengthening their singles department. 'Iskandar has been an incredible coach to work with. His passion for our purpose and values, coupled with the impressive results achieved by the players he coached, speaks volumes about his approach,' said Daniel Magee, Badminton Ireland high performance director in a statement. 'We wish him all the best as he takes up a new opportunity in Malaysia. Yeoh Seng Zoe will take on a role alongside Iskandar in the national singles programme, and Badminton Ireland will review our coaching structure in the coming months.' Last year was one of the best for Irish badminton, with two players, Nguyen and women's singles player Rachael Darragh qualified for the Paris Olympics. Nguyen's Olympic debut was particularly encouraging despite falling short in the group stage. Under Iskandar's guidance, Nguyen also won the Irish Open for two consecutive years, starting in 2023. Interestingly, Seng Zoe is not the only Malaysian contributing to Irish badminton. Mohd Izzuddin Shamsulmuzli, a former Nusa Mahsuri club player, is also serving in the set-up with a focus on junior development. Iskandar was recently roped in by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to fill the national women's singles coaching post, which had been left vacant for five months following the resignation of Jeffer Rosobin in late February.
The Star
02-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Seng Zoe replaces Iskandar as new coach for Ireland
PETALING JAYA: Badminton Ireland have wasted no time in naming a replacement for Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin, turning to another former Malaysian player, Yeoh Seng Zoe, to take charge of their national singles squad. Seng Zoe is already a familiar face in Ireland, having spent the past four years in the country. In fact, he won the Irish Open title in 2021. He initially joined as a sparring partner to assist Iskandar, who was then the national men's singles coach, in preparing Nhat Nguyen for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He was later absorbed into the national coaching set-up and eventually promoted to performance coach. On Monday, Badminton Ireland confirmed that Seng Zoe will now assume the role of national singles coach, succeeding Iskandar. The governing body is hoping the 27-year-old can build on the foundations laid by Iskandar in strengthening their singles department. "Iskandar has been an incredible coach to work with. His passion for our purpose and values, coupled with the impressive results achieved by the players he coached, speaks volumes about his approach. "We wish him all the best as he takes up a new opportunity in Malaysia. "Yeoh Seng Zoe will take on a role alongside Iskandar in the national singles programme, and Badminton Ireland will review its coaching structure in the coming months," said Badminton Ireland in a statement. Last year was one of the best for Irish badminton, with two players, Nguyen and women's singles player Rachael Darragh qualified for the Paris Olympics. Nguyen's Olympic debut was particularly encouraging despite falling short in the group stage. Under Iskandar's guidance, Nguyen also won the Irish Open for two consecutive years, starting in 2023. Interestingly, Seng Zoe is not the only Malaysian contributing to Irish badminton. Mohd Izzuddin Shamsulmuzli, a former Nusa Mahsuri club player, is also serving in the set-up with a focus on junior development. Iskandar was recently roped in by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to fill the national women's singles coaching post, which had been left vacant for five months following the resignation of Jeffer Rosobin in late February.
New Straits Times
30-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Iskandar returns to BAM in a different role
KUALA LUMPUR: Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin has been entrusted by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to take charge of the national women's singles squad. The former world No. 23, who has been coaching with Badminton Ireland, has been appointed as head coach of the department and will begin his duties on Oct 1 at the Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara. "It feels great to return to BAM — not as a player this time, but as a coach ready to give back," said the 34-year-old. "It means a lot to be able to contribute to the sport I love, in the place where it all began for me," he added. "My journey in Ireland taught me so much, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to apply those lessons here. I see potential in our women's singles players, and my focus will be on building their confidence, sharpening their tactical and physical awareness, and supporting them to break through at the international level." As the head of Ireland's national singles programme since 2021, Iskandar was instrumental in helping the country qualify two singles players — Nhat Nguyen and Rachael Darragh — for the Paris 2024 Olympics. It was a breakthrough achievement for the European nation. His return marks a significant move by BAM to rejuvenate its women's singles department, which has seen limited success in recent years. Currently, only K. Letshanaa and Wong Ling Ching are competing regularly on the World Tour, albeit mainly at lower-tier events. It remains to be seen if Iskandar can weave his magic, but his blend of international coaching experience and homegrown roots is seen as a positive addition to the national setup. BAM's singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen believes Iskandar's appointment comes at the right time. "Our women's singles squad is in a crucial phase of transition, and we believe Iskandar is the right person to guide the players, helping them build belief and resilience while pushing for consistent performances on the world stage," said Kenneth. As a player, Iskandar was runner-up at the 2016 Malaysia Masters, helped Malaysia win bronze at the 2016 Thomas Cup and the 2014 Asian Games, and was crowned Asian Junior champion in 2009. He also clinched double silver — in the boys' singles and mixed team events — at the same year's World Junior Championships.
New Straits Times
11-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Badminton coach Iskandar leaving Ireland for Malaysia?
KUALA LUMPUR: Former national shuttler Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin is in the frame to fill the vacant position of national women's singles coach. BAM singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen feels that Iskandar could be a valuable addition to the national set-up. But the Dane stopped short of naming him as the frontrunner to replace Indonesian Jeffer Rosobin who resigned in February. Iskandar joined Badminton Ireland in 2021 as a sparring partner, but has transitioned into the role of singles coach. The 33-year-old said during last month's Malaysia Masters that BAM had approached him earlier this year on a coaching role. However, Iskandar remained non-committal then as his family were residing in Ireland. Jonassen acknowledged that Iskandar's experience makes him a strong candidate, but said BAM is still looking at several prospects. "I can't confirm if he's on the shortlist, but of course, he's an experienced coach, someone who would certainly be a good fit for our set-up," said Jonassen.
