KUALA LUMPUR – Instead of speculating on whether Denmark’s Kenneth Jonassen can produce a gold medal-winning shuttler for Malaysia at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, former world number one Datuk Lee Chong Wei believes the focus should be on achieving success in the coming years.
Speaking to Scoop, Chong Wei said he expects the new Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) singles head coach to first transform the current crop of players into medal contenders for major tournaments, such as the World Championships, Asian Games, and Thomas Cup, before setting sights on the Olympics.
Jonassen, 50, has signed a four-year contract with the ultimate task of delivering a gold medal-winning singles player at the next Olympics.
During his first press conference earlier this week, the former world number two expressed confidence, saying he was undaunted by the high expectations placed upon him.
Previously, former Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) singles head coach Datuk Rashid Sidek commented that while it is not impossible for the Dane to develop gold medal prospects, the target set for Jonassen may be unrealistic given the limited talent pool he has to work with.
“I agree with Rashid,” said Chong Wei.
“It’s true that Viktor Axelsen and Anders Antonsen were already near complete players when Jonassen helped guide them to the top.
“However, I’m not here to debate whether Jonassen can produce a gold medal singles player at the LA Games. The gold medal target is not just BAM’s ambition; it’s the dream of every Malaysian, including myself.
“While the gold medal remains the ultimate goal, I believe we should focus on the nearer-term milestones. Jonassen is a coach with a proven track record, so let’s give him the opportunity to elevate our singles players.
“Hopefully, over the next couple of years, he can help us achieve success at the World Championships, Asian Games, and Thomas Cup—just as he did during his time with Badminton Denmark.
“In our quest for gold, we should aim to achieve these stepping stones one at a time,” Chong Wei added.
Jonassen, who spent 11 years with Badminton Denmark, is widely credited for leading the European giants to their historic maiden Thomas Cup victory in 2016 (Kunshan).
He also played a key role in the individual successes of two-time Olympic champion Axelsen and two-time European champion Antonsen.
“Right now, our doubles players are showing stronger results. With Jonassen’s arrival, I hope we can strengthen our singles players and build a formidable squad for the next Thomas Cup,” Chong Wei said.
The current national men’s singles roster consists of former Asian junior champion Leong Jun Hao, Commonwealth Games silver medallist Ng Tze Yong, Justin Hoh, and Eogene Ewe.
Meanwhile, the women’s singles team comprises K. Letshanaa, Siti Zulaikha Azmi, and Oo Shan Zi.
Coaching the men’s singles are K. Yogendran and Alvin Chew, while Misbun Ramdan and Indonesian coach Jeffer Rosobin oversee the women’s singles.
Jonassen recently made an informal visit to meet some of the players and coaches, but he will officially assume his role in January next year. — November 28, 2024