Hong Kong men’s singles coach Wong Choong Hann monitoring the players during their training session ahead of Thomas Cup Finals at Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone Sports Centre Gymnasium in China yesterday. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Wong Choong Hann believes new national singles head coach Kenneth Jonassen will bring success to Malaysia.
Choong Hann knows the challenges facing Jonassen well, as he assumed the same position as the Dane for four-and-a-half years before leaving the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) last year and taking up a coaching role in Hong Kong.
Although the 47-year-old knows that Jonassen faces a tough challenge to improve the fortunes of the singles shuttlers in Malaysia, he has backed him to succeed.
“Firstly, congratulations for appointing Kenneth. I think that’s a big decision from Kenneth and a good move from BAM,” said Choong Hann.
“It’s always a tough responsibility to assume this role in a big badminton nation like Malaysia. It will be the same in Indonesia, China, Japan or South Korea.
“He has the experience and he has the know-how. He has achieved much success before this. I think Malaysian badminton can look forward to future success.”
Just like Choong Hann was, Jonassen has been tasked with overseeing both the men’s and women’s singles.
He will officially begin his duties on Jan 4.
Meanwhile, Choong Hann is still getting used to his new role as head coach in Hong Kong after he was promoted from singles coach in October.
He said that he was currently overseeing a transition phase in the Hong Kong Badminton Association.
“I’m still in the process of understanding the magnitude and structure of the badminton system more deeply,” said Choong Hann.
“Before this, I only handled the men’s singles. As the head coach, the scope is much bigger.
“We are now in a transition phase and we are in the middle of recruiting more manpower to stabilise the structure so that we can move in full speed ahead.”
Choong Hann is now back in Malaysia for a few days before he heads to Hangzhou for the World Tour Finals from Dec 11-15.
Hong Kong will be represented in the Finals by world No. 6 mixed doubles pair Tang Chun Man-Tse Ying Suet.
“I came back to Malaysia three days ago to handle some family matters. This is the first time I’m back home since I became Hong Kong head coach,” said Choong Hann.
“It’s been a busy few weeks for me and I’m only here for a few days before I head to Hangzhou for the Tour Finals.”
