KUALA LUMPUR — Former world number one Wong Choong Hann is set to become the next head coach for Hong Kong, it has been learned.
According to Hong Kong media outlet sportsroad.hk, the 47-year-old Malaysian, who joined the Hong Kong Badminton Association (HKBA) in 2023 as men’s singles coach, will succeed Tim He Yi-ming, who recently resigned.
Tim He, a former China national player, had served as Hong Kong’s head coach since 2010.
Before joining the HKBA, Choong Hann spent five years as the head coach of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
Since his arrival in Hong Kong, the 2003 World Championships silver medallist has played a key role in improving the performance of players such as world number 14 Lee Cheuk Yiu and world number 21 Angus Ng Ka Long.
The Hong Kong men’s singles coaching position was previously held by another Malaysian, Wong Tat Meng, who resigned last year to become the head coach of Team LZJ, working with independent shuttler Lee Zii Jia.
Earlier this week, BAM secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh posted on X: “I have just received happy news. A Malaysian coach will most likely be appointed head coach of a national team in Asia.
“It is good to see our coaches progressing, and I’ve played a small part in the development of this progress.” — September 21, 2024