KUALA LUMPUR — The numbers do not lie. In terms of achievements and credentials, Denmark’s Kenneth Jonassen may well be the best coach the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has hired to date.
As a player, Jonassen reached a career-high world number two ranking but was often overshadowed by Danish legend Peter Gade, who is now set to join the coaching team of two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen.
However, as a coach, 50-year-old Jonassen has achieved far more than most coaches could dream of, even when considering the combined successes of others.
After retiring in 2009, Jonassen transitioned into coaching. His first major role came as singles coach for Badminton England, where he served from 2010 to 2013.
Former England international Ben Beckman, who had brief stints under Jonassen’s guidance, praised the Dane’s coaching ability and impact.
“I didn’t have too many sessions with him (Jonassen), but he’s a fantastic coach who knows the game inside out; knows how to bring good things out of players.
“He can be harsh and tough but fair, and I think he’ll be someone who tries to figure out how best his system and approach to the game can marry well with Malaysia’s,” Beckman told Scoop.
Beckman also credited the Dane for elevating the careers of former England number one Rajiv Ouseph and Toby Penty.
“I’m also pretty sure Rajiv had his best-ever years under Kenneth, while Toby got his big break and developed most under Kenneth as well.
“He was well respected, and I think he did good stuff. Denmark was where he really came alive and showed what he was capable of.
“He’s a nice guy, serious but nice. Like I said, he’s what you want in a coach,” Beckman added.
Jonassen returned to Denmark in 2013 and quickly began making an impact with the national squad.
Just a year later, he guided Jan O Jorgensen to a top-five world ranking and his first European Championships men’s singles title.
“It has meant a lot to me that Kenneth has come along,” Jorgensen told Danish news outlet TV2 in November 2013.
“He connects with me in a way few can, both in training and coaching. He really pushes me. He’s a tough dog, especially in training.”
During his 11-year tenure with Badminton Denmark, eight of which were spent as head coach, Jonassen led the team to unprecedented success, including Denmark’s first-ever Thomas Cup victory in Kunshan, China, in 2016.
Jonassen also played a pivotal role in the rise of Viktor Axelsen, who has claimed two World Championship titles (2017, 2022), two Olympic gold medals (2020, 2024), and three European Championships.
In addition, Jonassen contributed to the success of current world number three Anders Antonsen, who won silver at the 2019 World Championships and clinched two European Championships titles (2021, 2024).
He also helped develop Denmark’s top men’s doubles pair, Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen.
Astrup paid a heartfelt tribute to Jonassen following their last match together at the China Masters this week.
“Last night, we played our last match with our national head coach (Jonassen) behind the court.
“For the last 10 years, Kenneth has been a huge part of not only our careers but also Danish badminton.
“There’s so much I could say, but I’ll leave it at this: thank you, Kenneth, for always believing in us, for pushing us in the right direction when times were tough, and for asking the right questions along the way.
“I have the deepest respect for you, and I wish you the best of luck in whatever you pursue next.”
Jonassen’s accolades extend beyond these achievements, including numerous victories in European Team and Mixed Team Championships.
At last year’s Badminton World Federation (BWF) coaching conference, former Danish women’s doubles and mixed doubles star Christinna Pedersen named Jonassen as her best-ever coach.
“Kenneth was the perfect coach and person for me and Kamilla (Rytter Juhl) in women’s doubles because he was absolutely fantastic at reading and understanding us,” Pedersen said.
“He knew when to push us harder, like on a Friday morning, but also when to ease off. If we were struggling, he would have meaningful, constructive conversations with us.”
The big question now is whether Jonassen can help solve Malaysia’s long-standing woes, particularly in the singles department.
Jonassen is only the second European coach to join BAM, following in the footsteps of his compatriot Morten Frost.
European coaches are known for their meticulous and methodical approaches to training and strategy, so it will be interesting to see how local and existing singles coaches adapt to Jonassen’s style.
More importantly, players like Leong Jun Hao, Ng Tze Yong, Justin Hoh, K. Letshanaa, and Siti Zulaikha Azmi must seize this opportunity to elevate their games to the next level under Jonassen’s guidance. — November 24, 2024