From Obscurity to the World Stage: Irwansyah’s Unconventional Journey in Badminton Coaching

When Irwansyah was appointed Indonesia’s men’s singles coach, the badminton world took notice — not because he was a familiar face, but precisely because he wasn’t. Unlike many high-profile ex-players who transition seamlessly into coaching roles, Irwansyah was relatively unknown beyond the hardcore badminton fanbase.

Despite having been among Indonesia’s top singles players in his prime, Irwansyah never quite broke through with major titles. A series of injuries at crucial moments in his playing career halted his progress, denying him the usual path from national player to high-level coach. But his story is anything but typical.

Born to a regional champion nicknamed “Black Thunder,” Irwansyah’s path to coaching would take him far from Indonesia — to Wales, Cyprus, Ireland, and eventually back home — shaping him into one of the more respected names in international badminton today.

Injury and a Turning Point

“In 1996, I suffered a serious back injury while competing in Poland,” Irwansyah recalls. “I spent 21 days in hospital. The doctors warned that if I wasn’t careful, I could end up in a wheelchair.”

For a young man dreaming of becoming a world-class player, it was devastating. “They used traction — hanging weights to stretch my spine. The pain was unbearable. I screamed every time.”

Unable to play for a year, he eventually returned to the court in 1998, reaching the semifinals in Hong Kong and Japan. But the writing was on the wall. Younger players were emerging, and Irwansyah began considering opportunities abroad.

Around that time, former Olympic champion Rexy Mainaky, then coaching in England, suggested a move to Wales. “He told me they needed someone for sparring. I didn’t even know where Wales was,” Irwansyah says with a laugh. “He said, come for six months, learn English, play in a few European tournaments, and see how you feel.”

A New Life in Wales

In 2001, Irwansyah moved to Wales, alone and without knowing the language. “I bought a book to learn basic English phrases and would sit in the park every day, practicing.”

Despite the odds, he adapted. Training on his own, he also sparred with top British players like Richard Vaughan and Kelly Morgan. Success followed. He won the Welsh International four times, drawing attention from players and parents alike.

“People started asking if I could open an academy. Coaching children was hard at first, but it gave me valuable experience,” he says. “I realised that I enjoyed coaching. The kids responded well and began improving quickly.”

As his academy grew, Irwansyah’s ambitions did too. “One day I thought — these players are representing their country. I want to be known not just as a former player or academy coach, but as a national coach.”

Determined, he returned to Indonesia to complete a formal coaching course.

New Challenges, New Countries

Opportunity came next in the form of a job in Cyprus — a position his girlfriend (now wife) found and encouraged him to apply for.

“The level there was like a small club. I was coaching everything — singles, doubles, mixed. The training was tough. Some players quit, but the best came back. Slowly, they became competitive in Europe.”

After two years, seeking stronger competition, Irwansyah returned to Wales and started private coaching in both Wales and England, including at Exeter University. Within six months, Ireland came calling.

“That was a new challenge I was excited for. Ireland had talented players like Scott Evans and Chloe Magee, who both went on to compete at the Rio 2016 Olympics.”

It was in Rio that a pivotal moment occurred. “Rexy called me and said the head of PBSI wanted to meet me. He’d seen me coaching Ireland and asked, ‘Why not come home to Indonesia?’ That was my dream job.”

Full Circle

Returning to Indonesia, Irwansyah fulfilled a dream he’d long held — working alongside Hendry Saputra, his own former coach. “I used to call him all the time,” he says. “And he always told me: ‘Irwan, one day you’ll work with me.’”

Now, Irwansyah is not only coaching at the highest level, but also serving as an inspiration to others.

“The message I want to share is: never give up,” he says. “So many people doubted me, even at my own club. But I kept going. I wanted to prove that with determination, you can succeed — no matter where you start.”