KUALA LUMPUR — The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has stressed that no pressure has been placed on singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen to deliver overnight results, reaffirming its full support for his long-term development strategy.
Despite mounting criticism over recent performances, particularly after Malaysia’s junior squad returned home empty-handed from the Asian Junior Championships in Indonesia, BAM made it clear that it remains committed to giving Jonassen the time and resources needed to rebuild the singles department.
BAM deputy president Datuk V. Subramaniam told Scoop that the Danish coach was brought in to lead a long-term project, not chase quick wins.
“We have to thank Kenneth because he was well aware of our situation in singles, yet still agreed to come in and help build a stronger talent pool,” said Subramaniam.
“At no point have we pressured him to produce overnight results. Kenneth is doing a great job, and BAM fully backs him in his long-term plan.
“It may take at least two years for Kenneth to develop a steady pipeline of singles players.”
Jonassen’s appointment in January came at a turbulent time.
Ng Tze Yong, Malaysia’s top singles shuttler at the time, was sidelined by a long-term injury, while Lee Zii Jia had left the national setup to go independent.
To make matters worse, Tze Yong’s brief return was cut short after another injury, and he is currently recovering from ACL surgery in Qatar.
Without his top men’s singles players, Jonassen has had to focus on rebuilding the department with names such as Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh, and Eogene Ewe. On the women’s side, he has been guiding K. Letshanaa and Wong Ling Ching.
Calls for patience have come from several quarters, including Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and badminton legend Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei.
However, some former coaches, including Wong Tat Meng and Kwan Yoke Meng, have voiced concerns over the lack of immediate progress.
While it may be unrealistic to expect immediate success, Jonassen’s next major test will be the World Championships in Paris next month.
Ahead of that, he has arranged a five-day joint training camp with Badminton Denmark and several of their top players. — August 2, 2025