Badminton: New National Singles Coach Kenneth Jonassen Aims to Win Malaysia’s First Gold Medal at 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games
Kuala Lumpur, November 23 – The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has appointed Danish coach Kenneth Jonassen as the new national singles head coach, with a goal to produce world-class players and ensure Malaysia wins its first gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games (LA28).
Appointment Made with Care
According to BAM acting president Datuk V. Subramaniam, Jonassen’s appointment was made with great care and systematic evaluation. "We did look at Asia, there were also candidates, but finally, we have narrowed it down to Kenneth (Jonassen), so there’s no specific reason, what’s important is that he can do the job, he has a track record and no issues," he said.
Working with Rexy Mainaky
Jonassen will work closely with Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) coaching director Rexy Mainaky to achieve the goal. "The expectation, of course, is to produce the best players to reach the Olympics and bring home the gold medal. He (Jonassen) has to work together with Rexy. So, it is the responsibility of both of them to bring the first gold medal to Malaysia," Subramaniam said at a press conference.
Rexy’s Expectations
Rexy expressed his excitement to work with Jonassen, citing his experience in developing top players. "When we ran into each other in the washroom, he (Jonassen) asked how old Justin was, I answered 20, and he was impressed with Justin. So, going back to the question of the target (gold) at LA28, I think that’s a realistic goal considering Justin’s age and the four years ahead," Rexy said.
Jonassen’s Track Record
Jonassen has a proven track record, including playing a key role in shaping the legacy of Danish badminton for 13 years, as well as serving as England’s head coach. The former world number two has won prestigious titles such as the German, Korean, Dutch, and Singapore Open throughout his career.
Conclusion
With Jonassen at the helm, BAM is confident that Malaysia will be able to produce world-class players and win its first gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The partnership between Jonassen and Rexy is expected to yield positive results, and the country is looking forward to witnessing the growth and success of its badminton players.
FAQs
- What is the goal of the new national singles coach, Kenneth Jonassen?
The goal is to produce world-class players and ensure Malaysia wins its first gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games (LA28). - How was the appointment made?
The appointment was made with great care and systematic evaluation, considering candidates from Asia and ultimately narrowing it down to Kenneth Jonassen. - Who will Jonassen work with to achieve the goal?
Jonassen will work closely with Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) coaching director Rexy Mainaky to achieve the goal. - What is Jonassen’s track record?
Jonassen has a proven track record, including playing a key role in shaping the legacy of Danish badminton for 13 years, as well as serving as England’s head coach, and winning prestigious titles such as the German, Korean, Dutch, and Singapore Open.