Choong Hann to work his magic on the young shuttlers in BAM
KUALA LUMPUR: Wong Choong Hann could not have asked for a tougher start to his tenure as the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) coaching director.
The 41-year-old was brought in last November to lead the national team in their search for Olympic gold at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
But Choong Hann’s quest was dealt a massive blow.
In just one-and-a-half months since he came on board, two senior pairs – men’s doubles Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong and mixed doubles Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying – have left the national team to turn professional.
The Rio Olympic silver medal-winning quartet are seen as among the gold medal prospects for Malaysia with men’s singles ace Lee Chong Wei uncertain of returning to the top of his game after being diagnosed with nose cancer.
Still, Choong Hann believes time is still on his side as he tries to work his magic with the remaining players in the national squad.
“We will still be working towards that goal with whatever we have,” vowed Choong Hann, the 2003 World Championships silver medallist.
“Who knows, we may be able to produce several players who are capable of contending for medals at the Olympics.
“BAM’s goal, after all, is not only to focus on the senior players, but also to build a team of young world beaters.”
Choong Hann will now be tasked with rejuvenating established senior members such as Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie, Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing (mixed doubles) and Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, besides expediting the progress of rising stars Aaron ChiaSoh Wooi Yik and Chen Tang Jie-Peck Yen Wei.
He wants them to rise and battle their independent counterparts for the coveted tickets to the Tokyo Olympics.
“We already have our second echelon of players whose standard isn’t too far from the four seniors who left the team.
“And we will continue to provide these players with the best support services, coaching and training facilities to help them become the world’s top shuttlers.
“I have no doubt the national team will have a strong representation in Tokyo. That’s the belief we have.
“We’re still heading in the right direction as far as Tokyo 2020 is concerned.”