Park Joo-bong (right) with Tan Kim Her
PETALING JAYA: One of the most successful coaches Park Joo-bong is leaving Japan but the big question is - will he arrive in Malaysia?
South Korean legend Joo-bong's contract that runs until December has not been extended.
In fact, Japan BA have named Ohori Hitoshi, the father of Ohori Aya, to take over the post from January onwards.
Joo-bong, who joined Japan after the 2004 Athens Olympics, had transformed Japan from a sub-standard side into one of the badminton powerhouses through his good leadership and management skills and excellent relationship with his players.
Under him, former men's singles player Kento Momota soared by winning two world titles. In fact, they had many champions in all events, making Japan one of the teams with great depth.
Japan won their first Olympics gold through women’s doubles Misaki Matsutomo-Ayaka Takahashi at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
They also won other medals through women’s singles Nozomi Okuhara (2016 Rio, bronze), women’s doubles Mizuki Fujii-Reika Kakiiwa (2012 London, silver), mixed doubles Yuta Watanabe-Arisa Higashino (2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris, bronze), women's doubles Nami Matsuyama-Chiharu Shida (2024 Paris, bronze).
Under Joo-bong, Malaysian coaches Jeremy Gan and Tan Kim Her also made headways as mixed and men's doubles coaches.
The news on Joo-bong comes just as Malaysian BA had announced that they would not extend Hendrawan's contract after the Indonesian had served for almost 15 years.
They have also moved Datuk Tey Seu Boc into the junior side, opening up the door to hire a new head coach for the men's singles department.
Will BAM entice Joo-bong again? Will Joo-bong even consider of returning here?
Joo-bong was in Malaysia from 2000-2003. He will turn 60 on Dec 5.
