In a significant development for Danish badminton, Olympic and World Champion Viktor Axelsen has restructured his coaching team. Badminton legend Peter Gade is stepping into a more prominent role, while Axelsen’s long-time mentor, Henrik “PK” Rohde, is heading back to Skovshoved Badminton Club.
This coaching shift marks a new phase for the reigning champion. Peter Gade, a former World No. 1 and highly respected figure in the sport, initially joined Axelsen’s setup in November 2024. Now, he’s set to take on a more central coaching position. Gade’s extensive experience, both as an elite player and a coach, is expected to bring fresh insights to Axelsen’s training as he continues to push for excellence.
The transition also means Henrik Rohde, who has been instrumental in Axelsen’s rise to the top, will no longer be involved in daily training sessions or international travel. Rohde, who is also Axelsen’s father-in-law, will resume his leadership role as head coach at Skovshoved Badminton Club. He previously held this position for over a decade until 2020. This move allows Rohde to concentrate on club development and nurturing grassroots talent.
Addressing the new arrangement, Viktor Axelsen stated to Danish Media, as reported by BadmintonPlanet.com: “For now, that’s how things will be. Whether I’ll need additional support remains to be seen, but there’s no new coach on the way at this moment.”
While Rohde’s daily involvement will decrease, the BadmintonPlanet.com article notes he’ll still be available to assist Axelsen when needed. Axelsen himself is currently recovering from back surgery and aims to be back on court for the 2025 BWF World Championships in Paris this August.
This coaching evolution highlights Axelsen’s strategic approach to balancing high-performance demands with long-term career sustainability. The badminton world will be watching closely to see how this refined coaching dynamic impacts his performance in the crucial tournaments ahead.
