Leong Jun Hao is heading to the 2025 World Championships in Paris with one mission — to take down the giants.
The world No. 25 is determined not to be an early exit. Instead, he aims to make a deep run, proving he’s more than just another name in the draw.
“I’m excited because this is my first time in such a major event. I’ll take it one match at a time and give my best in every game,” said Jun Hao after training at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara.
The 26-year-old embraces his underdog status, having already shown he can topple big names. This season, he stunned world No. 5 Jonatan Christie, world No. 8 Kodai Naraoka, and world No. 14 Kenta Nishimoto, with his best result being a Singapore Open quarter-final appearance.
“To me, major tournaments give equal opportunities to everyone. I hope to produce upsets consistently, not just once in a while. Every match is a new challenge, and I’ll try something different each time to win,” he said.
Before Paris, Jun Hao will spend five days in Denmark for high-quality sparring and to adapt to the European conditions. The training camp, arranged by national singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen, will see Malaysian players train alongside Danish national shuttlers.
“This is the first time we’re preparing this way. Our coach has great connections in Denmark, so it’s a unique opportunity,” he added.
Malaysia’s last men’s singles medal at the World Championships came in 2015 when Datuk Lee Chong Wei won silver. Jun Hao hopes to change that history.
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