JONASSEN WELCOMES PARTICIPATION OF PROFESSIONAL SHUTTLERS IN NATIONAL CAMP 

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 (Bernama) -- The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) is open to having professional shuttlers train together or spar with national players in an effort to strengthen the men's singles department.

BAM singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen admitted that professional shuttlers, like world number 49 Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin and 68th-ranked Jacky Kok, have produced some encouraging results this season, thus proving that they can be considered for the joint training sessions to further strengthen the national squad.

“I have looked at many angles regarding all the independent (professional) players. However, they might have signed contracts with different sponsors and have different objectives.

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"For me, that is not something I can decide. They have to decide for themselves. The players, if they want, can come and try out,” he said when met at Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara here today.

The Dane said he is prepared to accept any outside player to join the governing body, either permanently or through collaboration, to undergo joint training sessions from time to time.

“For me, the overall goal is to raise the level of the Malaysian men's singles shuttlers. That is the objective.

"Yes, when we play in tournaments, we might compete against each other, but here at home, we should find the best ways to train together so that we as a nation, remain strong,” he said.

Jonassen said that having the national and professional shuttlers take part in joint training sessions is one of the best methods to get the men's singles department back to a high standard.

The national men's singles shuttlers have experienced a disappointing season, thus far, with Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh frequently suffering early exits in international tournaments.

-- BERNAMA