PETALING JAYA: Wong Choong Han believes new national singles head coach Kenneth Yonas can bring success to Malaysia.
Chung Han is well aware of the challenges facing Jonasson, having held the same position with Denmark for four-and-a-half years before leaving the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) last year and taking up a coaching role in Hong Kong.
Although 47-year-old Jonasson knows he faces a tough challenge to improve the singles shuttler’s fortunes in Malaysia, he has backed him to succeed.
“First of all, congratulations on your appointment Kenneth. I think this is a great decision from Kenneth and a good move from BAM,” said Chung Han.
“Taking this role in a big badminton country like Malaysia is always a tough responsibility. It would be the same in Indonesia, China, Japan or South Korea.
“He has experience and he has knowledge. He has achieved a lot of success in the past. I think he is looking forward to the future success of Malaysian badminton.”
Like Chung Han, Jonassen was tasked with overseeing the men’s and women’s singles matches.
He will officially start his work on January 4.
Meanwhile, Chung Han is practicing his new role as head coach in Hong Kong after being promoted from singles coach in October.
He said he is currently monitoring the transition phase at the Hong Kong Badminton Association.
“I am still in the process of fully understanding the size and structure of the badminton system,” Chung Han said.
“Before, I only followed men’s singles. As a head coach, the scope is enormous.
“We are now in a transition phase and will be moving full speed ahead with the recruitment of additional staff to stabilize the structure.”
Chung Han is back in Malaysia for a few days before heading to Hangzhou for the World Tour Finals from December 11-15.
Hong Kong will be represented in the final by world No. 6 mixed doubles pair Tang Chun Man-Tees Ying Sut.
“I returned to Malaysia three days ago to take care of some family matters. This is my first time back home since I became the head coach of Hong Kong,” said Chung Han.
“It’s been a busy few weeks for me and I’m only here for a few days before I head to Hangzhou for the tour finale.”