KUALA LUMPUR — Who would have thought that a casual conversation in a restroom in Chengdu, China, seven months ago would lead to Rexy Mainaky and Kenneth Jonassen becoming colleagues at Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM)?
Jonassen was officially announced today as the new national singles coach.
Rexy, ABM coaching director, shared that he had a conversation with Jonassen in Chengdu last April, when Jonassen was still coaching the Denmark team.
At the time, Malaysia faced Denmark in the final group-stage match of the Thomas Cup, with Justin Hoh selected as the third men’s singles player to face Rasmus Gemke.
Despite Justin being ranked far behind Gemke and it being his first Thomas Cup, he put up a strong fight before eventually losing 7-21, 23-21, 18-21, with Malaysia finishing second in the group behind Denmark.
Justin’s performance not only impressed the Malaysian coaching staff but also caught Jonassen’s attention.
Rexy believes that Jonassen, with his experience, could be key to reviving Malaysia’s men’s singles team.
Jonassen’s coaching duties will officially begin on January 4.
“I have always hoped to have Kenneth join us, and I thank Datuk Subramaniam (BAM acting president) for making this decision.
“During the recent Thomas/Uber Cup in Chengdu, after Justin’s match against Gemke, I bumped into Jonassen in the restroom.
“He asked me about Justin’s age, and I told him Justin is only 20 years old. He was very impressed with Justin,” said Rexy in a press conference at Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM), Bukit Kiara today.
Regarding the target set by BAM for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics — winning gold — Rexy is optimistic.
“I believe it is realistic. With Justin being only 20 years old and four more years to go until Los Angeles 2028, Kenneth has the experience, having coached Viktor Axelsen and Anders Antonsen. Axelsen has already won two Olympic gold medals.”
“This process isn’t like mixing flour, sugar, and syrup to get instant results; it takes time. But based on discussions with all parties, including Datuk Subramaniam, Datuk Kenny Goh (BAM secretary general), the team, and coaches, we believe Kenneth is the right person for the job.”
Jonassen’s appointment comes at a crucial time, as several national singles players have shown significant improvement.
For example, Leong Jun Hao recently finished as the runner-up at the Kumamoto Masters, defeating several top-ranked players.
Similarly, in the women’s singles squad, Siti Zulaikha Azman, who won the Malaysia International Series, is considered a promising prospect.
“Back when I was a player, I was tasked with winning Olympic gold, and I didn’t shy away from that challenge. Now, I’ve been tasked by management to ensure the singles squad performs,” Rexy said.
“We’ve seen progress from Jun Hao and, even in women’s singles, although the level isn’t as high, there has been improvement.
“We hope Jonassen’s inclusion can elevate our singles players to the next level,” he added. — November 23, 2024
