KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 (Bernama) -- The decision to appoint national men’s singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao as Malaysia’s team captain for the Sudirman Cup 2025 in Xiamen, China, from April 27-May 4, has earned the endorsement of singles’ coaching director Kenneth Jonassen.
The Dane described the surprise move as a “clever choice” that reflects the 25-year-old’s growing leadership presence on and off the court.
“He’s an experienced gentleman and takes care of the responsibility. It’s a natural step when you are slightly more senior than some of your colleagues, I think it is a clever choice,” he said in a video posted by Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) on Facebook.
In Xiamen, the world number 26 will shoulder the responsibility as the team captain with national top women’s doubles player Pearly Tan.
While acknowledging that the pressure of performing on the world stage can be daunting, Jonassen also offered a word of advice for the younger and less experienced members of the team.
Jonassen urged them to cherish the moment, trust in their abilities and try to pick up few things from the experienced figures in the team.
“First of all, believe in yourself. You’re chosen to be part of this team because you belong here. It’s a natural step in your development,” he said.
Malaysia will be strengthened by the presence of senior and experienced players namely world number two Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, 2025 Asian Badminton Championships champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun (men's doubles); Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie and Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei (mixed doubles) as well as Pearly with M. Thinaah (women’s doubles).
Other players include Justin Hoh (men's singles); K. Letshanaa (women's singles); Go Pei Kee-Carmen Ting (women's doubles); as well as Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin (mixed doubles).
Malaysia, drawn in Group C, will open the campaign against France (April 28) followed by Australia (April 29) and third seed Japan (May 1).
Only the top two teams from each group will qualify for the quarter-finals.
Malaysia's best achievement in the Sudirman Cup is reaching the semi-finals three times, namely in the 2009, 2021 and 2023 editions.
-- BERNAMA
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