Chinese Xie Zhuhua will stay on as coach of newly crowned world champion Ratchanok Intanon while also remaining in charge of the Banthongyord Badminton school.
Chinese coach Xie Zhuhua.
The 47-year-old coach, who has been with the school for 21 years and trained Ratchanok from the beginning of her career, has reportedly been approached to return to his homeland after Ratchanok beat world No.1 Lie Xuerui to become the youngest ever world champion on Sunday.
"He has trained Ratchanok since the beginning. Another one is Youth Olympic gold medallist Pisit Poodchalat," Kamala Thongkorn, the school's owner, said.
"He was approached to go back to China a few times. But he refused because he was happy to stay with us.
"I know he does not want to coach the Chinese national team because there is a lot of pressure."
Xie started working at the school when he was 26. At the time, there were about 70 players. Currently, there are about 300 students training at the school under the guidance of 14 coaches, including three Chinese. The two other Chinese coaches are Xie's older brother, Zhuwei, and Liu Yinggang.
Coaching Ratchanok at the final on Sunday was a special occasion for Xie as that position would normally be filled by a Thai.
As a player, Xie was the sparring partner for Li Yongbo, now China's chief coach.
Yesterday, Ratchanok met Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at Government House. The Prime Minister gave her 700,000 baht and Banthongyord Badminton school 300,000 baht through the Education Ministry.
"On behalf of the government, I would like to congratulate you for your success. I also thank your family and school for producing such a great player," Prime Minister Yingluck said. "Your achievement makes all Thais happy."
Khunying Patama Leesawadtrakul, president of the Badminton Association of Thailand, said Ratchanok's success not only brought happiness to Thai people but will inspire more young players to take up the sport.
"She has been an inspiration for young people since last year's Olympic Games," Patama said. "With her world title, it will bring more and more youngsters to the sport."
On Aug 31, the association will hold a special meeting to plan for the 2016 Olympic Games.
Today, Ratchanok will receive 500,000 baht from Metropolitan Police Bureau commissioner Khamronwit Thoopkrachang and will tomorrow collect another one million baht from Thaicom Foundation.
As for her studies, Krungthepthonburi University said that it would support Ratchanok until she finishes her doctorate degree, with special lecturers for English and political science provided.