2026-08-04,KUALA LUMPUR

England lead doubles coach Tan Kian Meng has dismissed speculation linking him with a return to the BA Malaysia (BAM).

After the departure of national mixed doubles head coach Nova Widianto, former mixed doubles international Kian Meng's presence at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) since Monday had sparked rumours that he could be in line to rejoin BAM.

However, Kian Meng clarified that he was at the ABM only to accompany the England squad, which has begun a month-long training camp as part of its preparations for several Asian tournaments, including the World Championships in New Delhi from Aug 17-23.

"It has got nothing to do with what's happening in the national mixed doubles department. I'm only here with the England team. I still have a contract until 2028," said the 32-year-old Kian Meng at the ABM on Tuesday.

Kian Meng said he remains fully committed to his role as England's lead doubles coach and has no plans to leave before his contract expires.

He explained that he currently oversees all three doubles disciplines — men's doubles, women's doubles and mixed doubles — as England does not have a large squad of players.

"My role as lead coach is different from that of a head coach. In the United Kingdom, the head coach oversees the entire programme, including the singles department, while I am responsible for all the doubles events," he said.

Kian Meng added that he has settled well into life in England and is enjoying the opportunity to focus entirely on coaching and player development.

"So far, everything has been good. I'm fully focused on my coaching career. There aren't many activities at night there, so I use the time to study coaching development, including building training frameworks," he said.

KIan Meng's charges' first event will be the Malaysia International Challenge in Ipoh on Aug 11-16.

Last week, BAM confirmed that Nova had ended his contract to return to Indonesia, leaving the national body searching for a new head coach for its mixed doubles department.