KUALA LUMPUR: New national singles head coach Kenneth Jonassen is expected to use his Midas Touch in producing world-class players and ensure Malaysia wins its first gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games (LA28). Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) acting president Datuk V. Subramaniam said Jonassen will work closely with Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) coaching director Rexy Mainaky to achieve that goal.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Subramaniam expressed that the expectation is to produce the best players to reach the Olympics and bring home the gold medal. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between Jonassen and Rexy to achieve this monumental task, highlighting it as a shared responsibility to secure Malaysia’s first gold medal. This statement was made during a press conference following the BAM Council Meeting at the ABM.

Subramaniam further elaborated that Jonassen’s appointment was a strategic and careful decision. The BAM assessed various candidates, including those from
Asia, but ultimately concluded that Jonassen was the right fit to develop the country’s singles division. He noted Jonassen’s track record and lack of issues as key reasons for his selection.

Meanwhile, Rexy Mainaky expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to work alongside Jonassen. He considered Jonassen’s appointment as a positive step towards enhancing the performance of Malaysia’s singles players. Rexy recounted a memorable interaction with Jonassen during the 2024 Thomas Cup Finals in Chengdu, China, where Jonassen showed interest in young player Justin Hoh, impressed by his potential at the age of 20.

Rexy highlighted Jonassen’s experience in coaching top players like Viktor Axelsen and Anders Antonsen, noting that Axelsen had secured two Olympic gold medals under Jonassen’s guidance. He described Jonassen as a meticulous coach who could realistically guide players like Justin Hoh to achieve gold at LA28, considering the time frame of four years to prepare.

Earlier today, BAM announced that Jonass
en had signed a four-year contract, officially commencing on January 4, 2025. The appointment ends the uncertainty surrounding the position, with Jonassen tasked to work closely with Rexy in creating a long-term development plan for Malaysian singles shuttlers. Jonassen’s proven track record includes shaping Danish badminton’s legacy for 13 years and serving as England’s head coach. As a former world number two, he has clinched prestigious titles such as the German, Korean, Dutch, and Singapore Open throughout his career.