Jonassen keeps SEA Games final squad close to his chest
PETALING JAYA: Singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen is keeping Malaysia's SEA Games squad under wraps, but his insistence on fielding the 'strongest possible team' offers a clue on who may make the cut for Thailand this December.
While the doubles department boasts plenty of depth, the singles line-up looks clearer. Men's singles shuttlers Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh (pic) are the likely picks, while the women's side could see K. Letshanaa and Wong Ling Ching getting the nod.
However, Jonassen will only reveal the final names once confirmed with the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM). His main criteria are players who can handle high-pressure situations and rise to the occasion on court.
'I won't go into names just yet, but it will be a mixture. For me, it's important to identify medal prospects for the SEA Games while at the same time keeping an eye on bigger challenges ahead, where the players need to be exposed to that kind of pressure.
'I believe the SEA Games is an excellent opportunity for us to deliver under pressure, especially in the singles event,' said Jonassen.
For Jonassen, it is crucial that the players selected are able to handle pressure on court at the SEA Games, as the competition is also part of the long-term plan for the 2026 Thomas Cup in Horsens, Denmark.
'For the men's team, the focus is on preparing players for the 2026 Thomas Cup, where the pressure will be greater and the opponents stronger. I need to see how the team handles that kind of expectation while also building for the future by bringing in stronger players.
'The same applies to the women's singles. The squad will include young players who need exposure and a platform to develop, alongside some of our best players to create the right blend of experience and future potential,' he added.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) had asked the OCM for an extra week to finalise their list of 20 players for the biennial Games, following the Selection Committee meeting on Aug 12.
BAM are delaying the announcement as they study the entries of rivals Thailand and Indonesia, determined to send their best line-up after returning empty-handed from the 2023 Phnom Penh edition.
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