New team: Hong Kong’s head coach Wong Choong Hann is looking forward to working with his former colleagues.
PETALING JAYA: It’s strictly professional, says Wong Choong Hann.
Hong Kong’s badminton supremo Choong Hann has been successful in drawing home-grown coaches Tan Bin Shen, Jeremy Gan and Loh Wei Sheng to make up the biggest number of coaches based in a national setup abroad.
But to Choong Hann, it’s all about being true to his role.
The transfer of the former internationals had received different reactions.
While some raised concerns over the exodus of Malaysian coaches abroad, others applauded the move as it proved that the local breed were good enough and were in demand.
Choong Hann, who was the country’s badminton supremo before leaving last year, said he valued the coaches’ credentials and the wealth of experience they bring along.
“Both Bin Shen and Jeremy are triple majors’ medallist coach over two Olympic Games cycles, why not I include them in my setup?” said Choong Hann.
“It’s about doing your best at your job and as professional as it should be. There is no intent to make it complicated.
“I’m just doing my job. I prefer to lay low in Hong Kong and let the results speak louder than words. I’ve always believed in that.”
Choong Hann’s trust in the coaches is certainly justified.
Under Bin Shen, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik have won the world titles and the Olympic Games bronze medals in two editions – in Tokyo and Paris while Jeremy had impressed during his stint in Japan.
Thanks to Jeremy’s input and guidance as the mixed doubles coach, Yuta Watanabe-Arisa Higashino emerged as the bronze medal winners at the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games and bagged the silvers at two world championships editions.
Wei Sheng was coaching in Singapore before Choong Hann offered the former Youth Olympic Games winner the job.
“We merely put the offer on the table, and it’s up to these coaches to make their own choices based on their personal commitment and needs... and I’m glad they are coming here,” said Choong Hann.
He however, is not expecting immediate results.
“Hong Kong still have a relatively medium size squad comparatively to other major badminton powerhouses,” he said.
“Thus our coaches’ role, include multitasking at times to all departments although they will have specific jobs to do.”
“They need time to settle down but we are committed to assist them to realise their full potential in their respective positions.
Bin Shen and Jeremy will handle the doubles department with the former spending more time on the men’s doubles and the latter on the mixed doubles.
“Wei Sheng will be in the men’s singles at this moment, and we will assist him until he is ready to take full charge later on.”
