Our Bureau
Singapore
The Singapore Badminton Association (SBA) has announced the appointment of former Indian badminton star Anup Sridhar as the new coach for singles. This decision, confirmed on January 20, 2025, comes in the wake of the departure of celebrated coach Mulyo Handoyo, who left a notable impact on the team during his tenure.
Anup Sridhar’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for Singapore’s badminton program. With a rich background in competitive badminton, Sridhar brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. As a former international player, he represented India with distinction and has transitioned into coaching with great success. His previous roles include coaching Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and rising star Lakshya Sen, both of whom have made significant strides in their careers under his guidance.
Sridhar’s coaching philosophy emphasizes technical precision and mental resilience, qualities that are essential for success in high-stakes competitions. His approach aligns well with the SBA’s vision to elevate the performance of its athletes on the international stage.
Sridhar will be working closely with South Korean coach Kim Ji-hyun, who remains the head coach for both men’s and women’s teams. This collaboration is designed to create a cohesive training environment that maximizes the potential of all players involved. The combination of Sridhar’s experience in international badminton and Kim’s established coaching methods is expected to yield positive results. The SBA aims to create a robust training framework that not only focuses on skill development but also on building mental toughness among athletes.
The Singapore badminton team has shown promise in recent years, particularly with standout performances from players like Loh Kean Yew, who won the BWF 2021 World Championships and has consistently ranked among the top players globally.
The SBA’s decision to bring in an Indian international coach like Sridhar reflects its commitment to enhancing its competitive edge in badminton. By diversifying its coaching staff and incorporating different perspectives, the association aims to create an environment conducive to growth and excellence.
