Smashing as coach and player: Kenneth Jonassen (right) playing the motivator during his coaching days with Denmark.
ODENSE: Denmark’s badminton great Kenneth Jonassen will be in Kuala Lumpur with his family in December this year.
Is it to sign a deal with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) as the new singles coach or is it just to enjoy a short holiday with his family?
“It’s for a holiday. It’s a coincidence. I booked it like six months ago. It does sound hilarious now,” said Jonassen before the start of the semi-final action in the Denmark Open here yesterday.
Jonassen is one of the two names along with Mulyo Handoyo of Indonesia that are on national coaching director Rexy Mainaky candidates’ list as a replacement for Hendrawan.
Hendrawan’s 15-year service ends in December and it has not been extended by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
Jonassen is ending his 11-year successful coaching stint with Denmark Badminton and is ready to embrace a new challenge.
The 50-year-old did not reveal where his destination will be but he is eager to empower coaches and players to explore their potential in a new environment and culture.
“I’m proud that my name has been stated as one of the candidates in Malaysia. I have received many offers really but I can’t reveal them. I will make a decision after consulting with family,” he said.
Jonassen, however, had good things to say about Malaysian badminton.
Jonassen in action during his playing career.
“It is one of the true badminton powerhouses. It’s an opportunity for any coach to work there. They have the history, badminton tradition and passionate fans,” he said.
Jonassen, who started his international career as a player from 1997-2008 and spent three years coaching in England in between his stints with Denmark, said he was ready for a change.
“This is the time to have a new challenge and start a new journey. I’ve been blessed with good players with team Denmark, there have been good results, ups and downs too.
“I want to use my experience at the higher end. My focus has been divided in recent times - I want to stand on court, working with the players, but my interest in working with other cultures and developing them has increased quite a lot.
“I want to touch a lot more, and transfer some of my ideas and philosophy, which can benefit more.
“I’m still very motivated to work on a daily basis, and I want others to experience the success. I don’t mind standing behind another chair to accomplish this.
“I want to help and motivate young coaches and players. I want to help clear their doubts and answer their questions. I see that as a key role for improvement.’’
In his tenure as the head coach for eight years, Jonassen said he had to adapt to changes within the set-up.
“Viktor Axelsen and Anders Antonsen left the national team in 2021 and 2022 respectively to stand on their own but they always returned to represent Denmark and spar daily in the lead-up to major tournaments. The country comes first.
“We found a good way to make it work and agreed on a common ground. I understood why they had to move on, and we always make them feel they belong when they return.’’
On his best moments as a coach, Jonassen said he has had special experiences with different players.
“For me, the memories go in a very personal level, with each player I’ve had. Not everyone can be a world champion but getting the biggest potential out of the players and bringing them closer to their dreams, is fulfilling,” he said.
“I’ve seen that with some players in the International Challenge level. There are also memories of winning the Olympic gold with Viktor, the All-England with Kamilla Rytter Juhl-Christinna Pedesen, and with Tine Baun in 2010. There are different memories with everyone,” he said.
“Winning team events with my colleagues also mattered a lot to me.”
When asked what was one key factor that had led to his success in his coaching career, Jonassen said it was patience.
“Everyone needs to have the stomach to go through long-term processes to develop players. I am lucky with Denmark, that the players, management and I.. we were all patient.”
Only time will tell whether Jonassen will choose Malaysia as his new badminton home.
