Japan’s head coach Park Joo Bong speaking to the press after the training session for Asia Team Championships at Setia Alam Convention Centre on Sunday. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PETALING JAYA: In a homecoming worthy of a legend, South Korean badminton icon Park Joo-bong has returned to lead his national team after 21 years – and this time, it’s for the long haul.
The 60-year-old was officially appointed as the head coach of the South Korean national badminton team by the Badminton Korea Association (BKA) on Friday (April 4).
Joo-bong, who enjoyed a highly successful two-decade stint with Japan, guided the rising Asian power to multiple international titles, including Olympic gold and world championship crowns.
His proven track record made him the ideal candidate for the BKA, which is hoping to restore South Korea’s former glory on the world stage.
“I am very happy to take on this important responsibility as the national team head coach, and I also feel a great sense of responsibility,” said Joo-bong to Badminton Korea.
“I will lead the national team to success through systematic training and strategic approaches, ensuring the players can perform at their best.”
Joo-bong previously had a brief spell as head coach of South Korea following the end of his contract with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) in 2003.
At the time, he was brought in to help prepare the national team for the Thomas Cup in Jakarta and the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Shortly after, Joo-bong took the helm of the Japanese national team, a role he held until his contract ended in December last year.
Alongside Joo-bong’s appointment, the BKA also named Lee Kyung-won and Kim Sang-su (both for doubles) and Jeong Hoon-min (for singles) as part of the new coaching line-up.
The remaining coaching position will be filled through an open recruitment process.
