KUALA LUMPUR — Kenneth Jonassen isn’t just in Malaysia to coach shuttlers—he’s here to leave a lasting impact.
The newly appointed national singles head coach is on a mission to transform the national badminton scene, not just by producing world-class players but by elevating local coaching standards for lasting success.
In an exclusive interview with Scoop, the renowned Danish coach—who played a key role in shaping the careers of two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen and European champion Anders Antonsen—revealed that nurturing Malaysian coaches is just as important to him as training elite players.
Jonassen spent 11 years with Badminton Denmark, eight as head coach, leading the national team to numerous international successes.
While his main task is to strengthen Malaysia’s singles players, he is equally focused on coaching education.
“That’s one of the main reasons I came here,” he said. “I’m not just coaching the players but also the coaches and sparring partners. I believe we can achieve greater long-term success by working together—planning training, structuring systems, preparing for matches, coaching, and evaluating performances.”
Jonassen emphasised the importance of balancing player and coach development. At times, he takes charge during matches, but he also steps back to assess how local coaches communicate and manage their players.
Since arriving in Malaysia, he has immersed himself in the local badminton scene, attending the National Under-21 Championships in Kuantan and participating in the Talent Identification (TID) programme at Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM).
“Yes, sometimes I need to sit in the first chair to be close to the players, but when I sit second, it’s more about understanding the coaches and their approach,” he explained.
Jonassen sees his role as a 50-50 balance between developing elite players and ensuring a structured, effective coaching system for both senior and junior players.
“It’s a big ambition, managing both aspects, but I believe it’s essential for long-term success,” he said. — February 15, 2025