(Photo: AFP)
Kuala Lumpur: Danish coach Kenneth Jonassen has voiced his full support for Malaysia’s decision to name Leong Jun Hao as team captain for the upcoming 2025 Sudirman Cup in Xiamen, China, from April 27 to May 4.
Jonassen, Malaysia’s head singles coach, called the move a “smart decision” that reflects the 25-year-old’s maturity and leadership both on and off the court.
“He’s an experienced and responsible player. It’s quite normal when you’re a little more senior than your teammates. I believe it’s a wise choice,” said Jonassen in a video shared by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) on Facebook.
Leong, currently ranked World No. 26, will share captaincy duties with Malaysia’s top women’s doubles shuttler Pearly Tan.
While acknowledging that the pressure of competing at a world team event can be immense, Jonassen encouraged Malaysia’s younger players to embrace the opportunity and grow from it.
“First and foremost, believe in yourself. You’re here because you deserve to be here. This is a natural step in your development,” he said.
Malaysia’s 2025 Sudirman Cup squad boasts a mix of experience and youth, including stars such as:
Goh Sze Fei–Nur Izzuddin Rumsani (World No. 2 men’s doubles)
Aaron Chia–Soh Wooi Yik (2025 Badminton Asia Champions)
Man Wei Chong–Tee Kai Wun (men’s doubles)
Goh Soon Huat–Shevon Jemie Lai and Chen Tang Jie–Toh Ee Wei (mixed doubles)
Pearly Tan–Thinaah Muralitharan (women’s doubles)
Other key names include:
Justin Hoh (men’s singles)
K. Letshanaa (women’s singles)
Go Pei Kee–Carmen Ting (women’s doubles)
Hoo Pang Ron–Cheng Su Yin (mixed doubles)
Malaysia has been drawn into Group C, where they will face:
France (April 28)
Australia (April 29)
Third seeds Japan (May 1)
Only the top two teams from each group will progress to the quarterfinals.
Malaysia’s best performance at the Sudirman Cup came in 2009, 2021, and 2023, when they reached the semifinals.
With leadership from Leong Jun Hao and Pearly Tan, Malaysia is aiming to make history in 2025.
