Hong Kong appoint Malaysia’s former badminton world No 1 Wong Choong Hann as new coach
- Former Malaysia badminton coaching director will start his new role this week, after scramble to fill job ahead of Asian Games
- New coach replaces Wong Tat Meng, who suddenly quit post in May to return home and work with struggling Malaysia No 1 Lee Zii Jia
Former badminton world No 1 Wong Choong Hann of Malaysia has been appointed the new men’s singles coach of the Hong Kong team, ending months of uncertainty after the sudden departure of Wong Tat Meng.
Sports Institute head coach Tim He Yiming said they were fortunate to secure such a quality coach in such a short period of time.
“It was not easy for us to find the replacement,” He said. “As a player, Wong has won many honours including a silver medal at the World Championships, and was the coaching director at the Badminton Association of Malaysia after his retirement.
“His experience and exposure at the highest level both as a player and a coach will certainly help the team as we look forward to the Asian Games in Hangzhou and the world tour for the remainder of the season.”
The 46-year-old Malaysian, who reached the top spot in the world rankings in August 2002 before making it to the World Championships final in Birmingham the following year, will start his new role in Hong Kong this week to work mainly with Angus Ng Ka-long, the world No 13, and Lee Cheuk-yiu, who is four places behind his compatriot.
Both players are currently competing at the Canada Open in Calgary, with former Hong Kong No 1 Vincent Wong Wing-ki acting as caretaker coach.
