KUALA LUMPUR – It has been a little over five months since Wong Choong Hann took the reins as Hong Kong men’s singles coach after leaving the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
Now, he is back on home soil for the first time to mentor his new disciples, Angus Ng Ka Long and Lee Cheuk-yiu, at the Malaysia Open, set to kick off today.
“It is good to be home, I feel a warm vibe here at Axiata Arena and hope for a good outing with my players.
“Returning as the opposition does not feel odd, I’m just doing my job as a professional guiding my players,” he told reporters when met during Malaysia Open test court sessions at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, here yesterday.
Angus faces a challenging draw today, going up against 13th-ranked Kanta Tsuneyama of Japan in the opening round.
Meanwhile, Cheuk-yiu appears to have a more favourable draw on paper as the 17th-ranked shuttler is going up against Denmark’s rising star Magnus Johannesen, although the Dane has a 2-1 record against the Hong Kong shuttler.
“I’m pleased with their preparation and I have high hopes for them to emerge victorious in their matches.
“However, I discussed with both players today that, mentally, they need to stay calm and not get too overexcited,” added the former world number one men’s singles shuttler.
Choong Hann took over the men’s singles department at the Hong Kong Badminton Association (HKBA) in July, succeeding Wong Tat Meng, who joined independent men’s singles player Lee Zii Jia’s camp.
There is a potential quarter-final showdown on Friday between Angus and Zii Jia if both maintain their winning streaks in the initial rounds.
“They have played each other twice already with both men taking one victory each. If we win, it will be the rubber set to us,” quipped Choong Hann.
Having taken up his post at HKBA, the 2003 World Championship silver medalist acknowledged the commitment of his players, but highlighted the need to adjust to cultural differences.
“The players at HKBA have given me their utmost commitment, they are studious and willing to learn. At the same time, I have had to take some time to adjust to the culture of the HKBA.
“I had to learn and adjust to the training and team culture there, previously I’ve known these players as they have been around the international scene for a while.
“But when I have had to coach them hands-on every day, it has taken some time to introduce my methods and have them adjust to it,” added Choong Hann, whose family did not follow him to Hong Kong.
Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic on the potential of Hong Kong players and believes they have the skills set to succeed.
“They are only missing the ability to put those abilities together to form a cohesive pattern during competition.
“I have seen them improve in that aspect, but I still need to work on stabilising their play,” he added.
After he resigned from BAM, there was a question as to where he would end up and few predicted he would take an opportunity abroad, having spent his whole coaching career in Malaysia prior to joining HKBA.
Choong Hann reflected on his decision to move beyond his comfort zone and advised others to embrace opportunities for personal and professional growth.
“If one has the opportunity to spread their wings beyond their comfort zone, one should not hesitate to snatch that chance.
“It is always great to explore further to enrich ourselves because in a working environment, sometimes the opportunity to venture outside your comfort zone will arrive.
“Be bold to test new waters, you never know how the new opportunity can enrich your life and working experience,” added Choong Hann. – January 9, 2024