PETALING JAYA: Athletes under the elite Road to Gold (RTG) programme are entitled to request anything that can help boost their performance and for men’s doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi, that means asking for more masseurs.

Herry knows that a relaxed body can reduce stress, anxiety and enhance performance.

The former Indonesia coaching legend currently oversees two pairs in the RTG programme, world No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and rising duo Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun.

The Indonesian coach admitted that the current number of masseurs is insufficient, especially during tournaments, as players often have to wait their turn and share with other teammates.

As such, Herry hopes at least two more masseurs can be added to the support team to ease the workload, particularly during overseas competitions.

“I’d like to thank RTG for their support so far. But going forward, we do need more masseurs.

‘‘We have many players competing at each tournament, and having only one or two masseurs isn’t enough,” said Herry.

“If we could get two additional masseurs, that would really help.

‘‘They’re human too, they use a lot of energy and get tired after treating so many players.”

Herry also expressed hopes for more supplements and vitamins to be provided for Aaron-Wooi Yik and Wei Chong-Kai Wun.

“Right now, they are already taking some supplements, but every athlete has different needs.

‘‘It would be ideal if they could receive additional vitamins tailored to their individual requirements,” he added.

In addition to the two men’s doubles pairs, the RTG programme also includes women’s duo Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei.

More recently, two top professional pairings have also come on board, world No. 1 men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and experienced mixed doubles duo Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie.

Beyond badminton, the RTG roster features national track cyclists Shah Firdaus Sahrom and Nur Izzah Izzati Asri, weightlifter Mohd Aniq Kasdan, and squash star S. Sivasangari.

RTG initiative was launched to provide targeted support for elite athletes with the potential to deliver Malaysia’s long-awaited first Olympic gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.