KUALA LUMPUR: Former Danish mixed doubles king Thomas Lund is set to become the new chief operating officer (COO) of the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
It is learnt that Lund, who became one of the most widely acclaimed sports administrators in Denmark after retiring in the mid-1990s, was interviewed by the BWF executive board during the Swiss Open in March.
The other candidate vying for the post is Steve Baddeley, who is credited with charting the fortunes of English badminton in the 1980s.
If everything falls into place, Lund is expected to be based at the world body’s head office in Cheras.
Lund had earlier tried to get into the world body when he applied for the post of general manager.
The post of COO has been vacant for almost two years. Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) secretary P. Ganga Rao had held the post briefly.
The presence of Lund is expected to lift the profile of the BWF.
If Lund gets the job, he would have come a full circle in badminton – from being a player to coaching and to holding several top administrative posts.
The former Danish national team coach also has vast knowledge in marketing, which should come in handy in promoting the sport.
During his playing days, Lund was named ‘King of the Grand Prix’ in the mixed doubles from 1990-1994. He won three All-England and two world titles with different partners.
The BWF are likely to confirm the appointment of the new COO when the council meet during the Sudirman Cup, which will be held in Guangzhou from May 10-17.
The BWF will hold their annual general meeting (AGM) on May 10.
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