KUALA LUMPUR: Despite her many struggles, national women's singles coach James Chua believes national No 1 S. Kisona can be a role model to her juniors.
While remaining non-committal on the 23-year-old's future, James pointed out that Malaysia's women's singles is in dire need of an icon.
The former Malaysia Open champion, who reported for duty at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara today, said he has his work cut out for him but is up for the challenge, even if the road ahead is long and bumpy.
"Malaysia has never been strong in women's singles. We need to build someone strong to lead the rest.
"At the moment, I see Kisona as the right person to play this leadership role. However, it depends on her and how she recovers from her injury.
"I don't see this happening so soon, but Kisona should be the player who everyone wants to beat," said James, a former coach of the Sarawak BA.
James, like Kisona, was also injury-prone during his playing days, which led to his early retirement in 2008.
The 43-year-old, however, does not want to see the 2019 Sea Games champion go down the same path.
"Some players can come back from major surgeries and go far like Denmark's Peter Gade. It really depends because every player is different.
"I can't really say anything about Kisona at the moment. We will have to work together for some time.
"She has to work hard to rebuild her body. I hope Kisona can do it," added James.
Since sustaining her first major injury — anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) — at the 2014 World Junior Championships in Alor Star, Kisona has been on a roller coaster ride with many ups and downs.
The world No 54 went on to suffer two more serious injuries (medial collateral ligament and posterior cruciate ligament) on the same right knee.
Kisona will compete in the Taiwan Open, which starts tomorrow.
When asked to comment on the other women's singles players under his care, James said: "So far, the team look okay.
"I have about eight women's singles players, but from what I noticed, at least four or five are carrying injuries.
"Physically, they need to improve and at the same time their technical ability as well.
"They are passionate, so let's give them some time to recover before I plan something for them.
"With the hectic schedule, we have to plan well. I will discuss with Wong Choong Hann (BAM coaching director) and Dr Tim Jones (BAM high-performance director) about their progress.
"I will try my best to produce one or two players for the 2024 Olympics," he added.