Profile of Herry Iman Pierngadi, Legendary Coach Who Officially Left PBSI

Kapanlagi.com - Herry Iman Pierngadi, affectionately known as "Fire Dragon Coach", is a legendary figure in the world of Indonesian badminton. Behind the success of the men's doubles in the country, there is the skilled hand of Herry who has produced many of the best men's doubles pairs in the world, carving out brilliant achievements on the international stage. However, in 2025, shocking news emerged: Herry IP officially left the PBSI National Training Center.

His career journey began in 1989 as a coach at the Tangkas club, before joining the PBSI National Training Center in 1993. For more than two decades, Herry IP has dedicated his life to nurturing a generation of Indonesian badminton athletes, making him one of the most influential coaches in the country.

"I always say, what will happen to your fate and career, you determine yourself. Being an athlete is each person's duty and responsibility. If you are fully committed to badminton, don’t hold back, don’t do it halfway," emphasized Herry IP when asked about the motivation he provides to his students, as quoted from the official PBSI website on Thursday (19/12/2024).

1. Herry IP's Career Journey

Herry IP's career in the world of badminton began in 1989 when he served as a coach at the Tangkas club, and since then, his dedication to this sport has been undeniable.

Joining the PBSI national training center in 1993 as a junior coach, Herry quickly demonstrated his talent in nurturing athletes, which led to his promotion as the men's doubles coach in 1999.

It was here that he made a remarkable mark in Indonesian badminton, producing world-class men's doubles pairs. Although he left the national training center in 2008, his spirit did not wane, and he returned in 2011 to continue his grand mission.

In 2024, Herry adapted to new challenges when appointed to handle mixed doubles, but in 2025, he decided to step away from the PBSI national training center, leaving an unforgettable legacy in the journey of badminton in the homeland.

2. Herry IP's Outstanding Achievements

In his career journey as a coach, Herry IP has made a remarkable history by leading Indonesian badminton athletes to achieve various extraordinary accomplishments.

Among them are the Olympic gold medals won by the duo Candra Wijaya/Tony Gunawan in Sydney 2000 and Markis Kido/Hendra Setiawan in Beijing 2008, as well as several All England titles won in 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Not only that, Herry also guided Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan to win gold medals at the World Championships in 2013 and 2015, and succeeded in the Asian Games in 2014 and 2018 with different pairs.

Other achievements include victories at the Indonesia Open in 2013 and 2018, as well as the China Open in 2016 and 2017. With this plethora of accomplishments, Herry IP has proven himself to be one of the best coaches in the badminton world.

3. The Challenges and Struggles of Herry IP

Herry IP's journey as a badminton coach is like a roller coaster, full of twists and challenges. From a salary of only Rp400 thousand per month at the beginning of his career to the demands of understanding the unique character of each of his students, Herry had to fight hard.

He is required to be more than just a coach; he must be understanding and a mentor for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

In the midst of rapidly changing times, including the habits of millennial players who are inseparable from gadgets, Herry also had to adapt and face differing opinions regarding training programs.

All these obstacles underline how difficult it is to be a coach, yet Herry IP's dedication to nurturing Indonesian badminton athletes has never waned.

4. Why is Herry IP nicknamed "Fire Dragon Coach"?

This nickname was given to him thanks to his burning spirit and passionate temperament while honing the skills of the athletes.

5. Who are the men's doubles pairs trained by Herry IP?

In the world of badminton in Indonesia, names like Candra Wijaya and Tony Gunawan, Flandy Limpele with Eng Hian, to the legendary duo Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan, as well as Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan, are inseparable from the history of this sport's glory. Not to mention the phenomenal pair Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo who continue to carve out brilliant achievements.

6. Why did Herry IP leave PBSI?

Until now, the news about Herry IP's departure from the National Training Center still leaves many questions, as there has been no official explanation from PBSI or the coach himself.

(kpl/rmt)