Badminton Legend Kenneth Jonassen Takes the Helm as National Singles Head Coach
Kuala Lumpur, January 4 – Danish badminton legend Kenneth Jonassen has officially commenced his role as the National Singles Head Coach of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), bringing with him a wealth of experience and a hybrid of Asian and European playing styles to introduce to the national players.
Understanding the Players
Jonassen emphasized the importance of understanding each player’s strengths, weaknesses, and motivations before making any changes. He plans to have individual talks with each player, coach, and the coaching team to get a better grasp of their goals and aspirations. "I want to have individual talks with each player, each coach and us as a coaching team before making any changes. So it’s business as usual for the next two, maybe three weeks because I want to understand the players, the coaches and the idea behind and what motivates them before," he said.
Working with Jun Hao and Ng Tze Yong
Jonassen is also looking forward to working with Jun Hao, the only BAM men’s singles shuttler who qualified for the 2025 Malaysia Open. He acknowledged that Jun Hao would face a tough challenge in the Super 1000 tournament, especially with a difficult draw against China’s Lu Guang Zu in the first round. Jonassen plans to sit in the second seat behind coach K. Yogendran and work step by step with Jun Hao.
Regarding Ng Tze Yong, who is still recovering from a back injury, Jonassen wants to understand what is happening with the 25-year-old before taking any action. "I think it’s natural for any player that has gone through surgeries, that they will be cautious on their way back to to to the highest level. I want to discuss and hear from from his side, how he’s feeling and what’s his thoughts are because it’s his body," he said.
A Wealth of Experience
The 51-year-old Dane brings a wealth of experience to the role, having been instrumental in shaping Denmark’s badminton legacy during his 13-year coaching tenure and previously serving as England’s head coach. A former World no two in men’s singles, Jonassen boasts an impressive playing career, having won prestigious titles such as the German Open, Korean Open, Dutch Open, and Singapore Open.
Developing a Comprehensive Long-Term Plan
In his new role, Jonassen will work closely with ABM coaching director Rexy Mainaky to develop a comprehensive long-term plan for Malaysia’s singles programme.
Conclusion
Kenneth Jonassen’s appointment as the National Singles Head Coach of the Badminton Association of Malaysia marks a significant milestone in the country’s badminton journey. With his wealth of experience and hybrid of Asian and European playing styles, Jonassen is poised to bring success to the national players and help them reach their full potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is your approach to coaching the national players?
A: I want to understand each player’s strengths, weaknesses, and motivations before making any changes.
Q: How do you plan to work with Jun Hao and Ng Tze Yong?
A: I will sit in the second seat behind coach K. Yogendran and work step by step with Jun Hao. Regarding Ng Tze Yong, I want to understand what is happening with him before taking any action.
Q: What is your experience in coaching?
A: I have been instrumental in shaping Denmark’s badminton legacy during my 13-year coaching tenure and previously served as England’s head coach.
Q: What are your goals for the national players?
A: My goal is to help each player develop to their full potential and ensure they are motivated on a day-to-day basis.