Time to expand: Leong Jun Hao is currently one of the seniors in the Badminton Association of Malaysia.
PETALING JAYA: Several independent men’s singles shuttlers could be given a way back into the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
Singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen is looking at ways of refreshing the struggling men’s singles senior team, including inviting independent players back to BAM either permanently or for joint-training sessions.
Among players outside BAM that could be given a second chance are Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin, Jacky Kok and Lee Jan Jireh, who have all enjoyed some promising results after they were dropped from the national team.
Currently, the senior team only comprise Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh, Eogene Ewe and Kong Zhou Swin while Ng Tze Yong is still recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and has not returned to court training yet.
Jonassen also plans to promote a few junior players to the senior ranks to boost the numbers and increase competition between the seniors.
“I’m looking at various ways to boost the men’s singles department,” said Jonassen after overseeing a training session at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara yesterday.
“I won’t mention names but I have been looking at all angles including bringing back independent players. Let’s call it a second chance.
“Basically, it’s a two-week trial because I need to see their level, not just by virtue of world ranking or results in tournament.
“I also want to see how they perform day to day. I want high-level players to join our training,” added Jonassen.
Jonassen also stressed that he wants players who are committed and disciplined.
“For me, commitment is very important. Without commitment and discipline in everyday training, you won’t achieve much,” said Jonassen.
“Pure talent only opens the door but it’s how much you apply yourself on a daily basis. That’s what’s going to make a difference.
“I’m not looking at any age specifically, it could be 19, 20, 24, 25. For me, age is just a number.
“We see more and more top players achieving great results when they are past 24, 25 because it’s down to maturity and understanding your own game.”
Jonassen had already invited Aidil for joint-training sessions leading up to the SEA Games from Dec 9-20 in Thailand.
The 25-year-old, who will compete in the team event along with Jun Hao, Justin and Eogene, started training at ABM on Monday.
Jonassen though acknowledged that it will not be straightforward for the likes of Aidil, Jacky and Jan Jireh to return to BAM permanently.
“The independent players might have contracts with different sponsors or training arrangements with coaches,” said Jonassen.
“They also might have different objectives. So apart from looking at their level in training, I also need to talk to them about their dreams.
“If the dream is just to get one more year to travel around the world and play some tournaments, then that’s not enough because that does not showcase the desire we need to want to achieve something as a badminton player.
“For me, that’s not something I can decide. They have to decide if they want to come and try out or take up the offer. If they can’t join, they maybe we can have joint training sessions,” added Jonassen.
Ultimately, the Dane’s main aim is to raise the standard of Malaysia’s men’s singles.
“For me, the objective is to raise the level of the Malaysian men’s singles,” said Jonassen.
“Yes, when we play in tournaments, we (BAM and independent) might compete against each other but here at home, we must find the best ways to train together, so we can become stronger.
“Also, I want to increase the numbers in the senior team to improve the competition between the players.
“I just generally believe that if the daily competition level in training is very high, then there’s a better chance to perform well in tournaments,” concluded Jonassen.
