By: Yong Ai Wen

KUALA LUMPUR, (D5 Sports) - After seven years of working with Malaysian shuttlers, Rexy Mainaky announced that he will resign from his national womens' doubles coaching post, effective 30 April.

The Indonesian, who was once a legendary shuttler at his home country, added that he decided to resign to accept an offer from the Philippines Badminton Association to become their coaching director on a two-year contract beginning 1 May.

"The decision is final," said Rexy, in a Bernama interview after a meeting at the National Sports Council (NSC) in Bukit Jalil.

The former world mens' doubles champion explained that he has already informed BAM of his decision last month after the Switzerland Open. Rexy also added that he was happy with his time here with BAM, further commenting that he has accepted the job in Philippines as a form of a new challenge despite receiving better offers from other countries.

"I wanted a challenge, that is why I took the job in Philippines," he added.

Rexy began his trade here on 7 July 2005, and his current contract was about to expire in June.

BAM has not commented on who will replace Rexy as the womens' doubles coach, but likely Chang Kim Wai, Jeremy Gan and Rosman Razak will fill up the gap until his successor can be appointed.

Rexy will be remembered for his pivotal role in bringing up formidable doubles Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong and Chin Eei Hui-Wong Pei Tty back in the day.

We thank him for all he has done for Malaysian badminton, and bid him good luck in his future endeavours.