Source: REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
[Saba Sports News] As the 2024 Orleans Badminton
Masters approaches, Park Joo-bong, the head coach of the Japan Badminton
Association, discussed the upcoming competition in an interview with the media.
He admitted that Japanese players are currently facing significant pressure.
Historically, the Japanese badminton team has showcased remarkable overall
strength. However, Park Ju-bong, the Korean head coach, openly acknowledged
that the current Japanese team’s overall strength is not as formidable as
before due to various player injuries. Winning the championship may prove to be
a challenging task. It has been revealed that this Olympics might be Park
Joo-bong’s final coaching stint with the Japanese national team. The Japan
Badminton Association has recently reported consecutive financial deficits of
300 million yen, prompting adjustments to the team and management following the
Paris Olympics. Park Joo-bong, a renowned Korean coach, is likely to conclude
his 20-year coaching career. Since the 2004 Athens Olympics, Park Ju-bong has
served as the head coach of the Japanese badminton team, leading them to
several historic achievements, including winning the Thomas Cup and Olympic
gold medals. If Park Ju-bong departs from the Japanese badminton team, it is
anticipated that other teams will vie to secure his services.