KUALA LUMPUR: The BA of Malaysia (BAM) is optimistic that newly appointed national singles coach Kenneth Jonassen and coaching director Rexy Mainaky will help end the country's wait for Olympic gold at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
BAM acting president Datuk V. Subramaniam revealed that the lengthy search, which started in May, was crucial to finding the right candidate, and Jonassen emerged as the perfect fit.
Boasting a proven track record of producing world-class players, Jonassen is tasked with transforming Malaysia's current crop of players — including Leong Jun Hao (world No. 29), Justin Hoh (No. 49), Ng Tze Yong (No. 156), and Eogene Ewe (No. 103) — into world-beaters.
During his 11-year tenure with Badminton Denmark, Jonassen oversaw the rise of two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen and former world No. 2 Anders Antonsen.
He also played a pivotal role in Denmark's Thomas Cup triumph in 2016.
Timesport was the first media outlet in Malaysia to identify Jonassen, 50, as the leading candidate for the job.
Subramaniam is confident that Jonassen's experience working with the Denmark and England teams will propel Malaysia's badminton programme to new heights.
The Danish coach will officially begin his four-year stint with BAM on Jan 4 next year.
Jonassen will oversee the entire singles department, working alongside K. Yogendran and Alvin Chew for the men's singles and Jeffer Rosobin and Misbun Ramdan for the women's singles.
According to Subramaniam, both Jonassen and Rexy will be given clear key performance indicators (KPIs), and the goal is to produce Malaysia's first Olympic champion in 2028.
"Jonassen has an impeccable coaching record and will collaborate closely with Rexy to create a comprehensive programme for LA28," said Subramaniam after the BAM council meeting at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara today.
"We have been falling behind in the singles department, and we hope Jonassen can change that.
"It was why we took our time with this decision. While there were several strong candidates, Jonassen stood out due to his flawless coaching record and work ethic.
Jonassen will address the media and share his plans during a press conference on Monday.
In another development, BAM appointed former president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria as honorary life president.
The position will allow Norza to continue contributing to the association in an advisory capacity.