Debut as coach Sung Ji Hyun Aims for Uber Cup Title

Shortly after bidding farewell to a stellar playing career, South Korea’s Sung Ji Hyun returned as their women’s singles coach. His first big challenge after taking the spot a month ago with the Korean team is the Uber Cup taking place in Bangkok. Korea is in Group D with India, Canada, and the United States. The former Queen of Ginseng Badminton has only been carrying out her duties as South Korea’s national women’s singles coach for about a month. After deciding to retire some time ago. With the transition distance from players to coaches, which is quite short, Sung admitted that he did not experience many adaptation problems.

For Son Wan-ho’s wife, she had prepared the status as a coach even when she was still active in the South Korean women’s singles. Ji Hyun believes his team has the ability to not only top the group but also claim the title.

“If they believe in themselves, they can win. As a coach, I want them to have the goal of winning the Uber Cup. I had many good moments as a player. So as a coach, I want them to target the title,” said Ji Hyun, who was ranked 2nd in the World in 2017. Sung Ji Hyun and two strong doubles pairs would give Korea a chance in any match, but Ji Hyun knew that second and third singles also might have to step in. He thinks Kim Ga Eun, in the second single, should play her key role.

Wanted to be a coach for a long time

“Ga Eun could be the key. There is pressure on her; she needs to relax and focus on her game. Once she realizes her abilities, she can do much better. I know that. She can be nervous, but I will try to calm her down.” It is not uncommon for players to transition so quickly to become coaches; usually, there is a gap of several years. But Ji Hyun said she already knew she wanted to be a coach during her competitive days.

“When I left the Korean team, there was a slot for a single coach. I want to follow my parents’ way. My father was on the national team, and my mother was a university professor, so I knew I wanted to follow them. Even as a player, I’ve worked with juniors,” said Ji Hyun, who has a degree in sports psychology. As a player, one of his proudest moments was winning the Uber Cup in 2010.

“Sometimes there is more pressure in team events, but when you win, you feel happier. Winning team events is more important (than individual events). There is more pressure, but if you succeed, you are happier,” he added. Korea, who beat the United States 5-0 in their opening match, faces Canada today. To keep up-to-date with International Sports news, stay tuned for the latest from the Sports News Site, EkingsNews.

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