KOMPAS.com – Singapore made world badminton history with its male singles athlete, Loh Kean Yew.

Loh Kean Yew has won the 2021 Badminton World Championships in Spain. The title became the first gold ink for Singapore.

Behind the greatness of Loh Kean Yew, there is an Indonesian coach, Mulyo Handoyo.

Mulyo Handoyo is also responsible for the greatness of Indonesian badminton legend Taufik Hidayat when he won the gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics in Greece.

More recently, Mulyo Handoyo has just left his position as coach of the Singapore national badminton team. He returned to Indonesia to meet his family while relaxing.

Also Read: Profile of Loh Kean Yew, Indonesian Coaching Student Who Made History at 2021 BWF World Championship

However, Mulyo Handoyo has no plans to return to coaching Indonesian badminton.

Singapore Gold Story Maker

Loh Kean Yew made history as the first badminton player from Singapore to become world champion under Mulyo Handoyo.

No one thought Loh Kean Yew could achieve the highest podium at one of badminton’s most prestigious events.

At the 2021 BWF World Championships, few people consider Loh Kean Yew. Even after winning the Hylo Open 2021 and finishing second in the Indonesia Open 2021 last November.

Read also: Mulyo Handoyo has a special way of handling Indian male singles

However, Loh Kean Yew managed to prove it by becoming badminton world champion. His journey to becoming champion was not easy.

Because he already had to face Viktor Axelsen (Denmark) in the first round, then he had to face another top player, Anders Antonsen (Denmark), in the semi-finals.

Make India Dangerous

Mulyo Handoyo’s cold hands were not only felt by Indonesia and Singapore, but also by India.

Srikanth Kidambi and Sai Praneeth are examples of Mulyo Handoyo’s orbit in the Indian national badminton team.

Also Read: Praveen/Jasmine’s Journey to PBSI National Training Center, Stop or Continue?

As quoted BolaSport.com from first post, Sai Praneeth, 17th, admits Handoyo gave him confidence after his injury in 2017.

Handoyo has a special way of dealing with India’s hottest male singles. The only thing Indian players can do between practices is eat, rest and sleep.

“Our morning workouts are 8am-12pm and afternoons are 4-6pm,” says Praneeth.

“Only on vacation can we watch a movie or just relax,” Praneeth added.

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