Bukit kiara: Former national shuttler Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin has credited national singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen’s persistence for his return to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) as the women’s singles head coach.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Jonassen personally reached out to Iskandar and often shared updates on the national squad even while he was still serving as a coach in Ireland. “One of the main reasons is coach Jonassen. He contacted me himself, always kept me updated. From there I could see his determination to have me back. I really appreciate that,” Iskandar said when met on his second day of duty at Academy Badminton Malaysia, Bukit Kiara, here today.

Asked about his plans for the women’s singles shuttlers, Iskandar stated that they would undergo a more intensive training regime, with shorter sessions but involving more sets and repetitions to boost intensity. “It’s heavier, faster, but we give shorter sessions with more sets and reps,” he said.

Reflecting on his experience as a former BAM player, he added, “In Malaysia, I understand – because I was also a BAM player before – sometimes you become stale. So we need to give them more motivation and intensity in training. For me, it’s about focusing on quality over quantity.”

However, he expressed admiration for the attitude and discipline shown by the women’s singles squad, especially in the run-up to next week’s World Junior Championships. He is now guiding 17 players, comprising nine seniors and eight juniors, with greater focus on the senior squad in preparation for the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand this December.

“Of course, I also have to take care of the juniors. But for now, my focus will be more on the seniors ahead of the SEA Games. But I haven’t met them yet as they’re in Abu Dhabi,” Iskandar mentioned.

Iskandar Zulkarnain had won major honours for Malaysia, including silver medals in the men’s singles and mixed team events at the 2009 BWF World Junior Championships. He also contributed to Malaysia’s team bronze medal at the 2014 Asian Games, was men’s singles runner-up at the 2016 Malaysia Masters, and was part of the squad that won the Thomas Cup bronze in 2016.