Cover Leong Jun Hao embodies resilience on court, transforming the pressures of competition and the weight of past setbacks into fuel for his game
Leong Jun Hao embodies resilience on court, transforming the pressures of competition and the weight of past setbacks into fuel for his game
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From badminton prodigy to national team co-captain, Leong Jun Hao reflects on resilience, leadership and the belief that his greatest victories still lie ahead
Malaysian badminton player Leong Jun Hao has emerged as one of his country’s most compelling talents on the international stage. In April, he was appointed co-captain of the Malaysian squad for the 2025 Sudirman Cup in Xiamen, China, sharing the honour with Pearly Tan. It was a recognition not only of his consistency on court, but also of the resilience and maturity he has cultivated throughout his career.
Leong’s introduction to badminton began at the tender age of four, under the watchful guidance of his father, before progressing to the elite training grounds of Bukit Jalil Sports School at just 13. A rapid ascent followed: the 2017 Asian Junior Championships title, a World Junior silver medal, and his first senior trophy at the 2018 Finnish Open. These milestones cemented his reputation as a player to watch. But the path was far from linear. A hip injury in 2018, followed by the global disruption of the pandemic, left his ranking plummeting from 40th to 130th.
Above As co-captain of the national badminton team, Leong embraces leadership as both a responsibility and a unifying force for his teammates
As co-captain of the national badminton team, Leong embraces leadership as both a responsibility and a unifying force for his teammates
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For many, such setbacks would have been insurmountable. Yet Leong views this turbulent period as a crucible that forged his resilience. “At that time, it was really the worst moment of my career,” he says. “But one of my coaches told me, either you go all out and give your best or you walk away. If you keep going half-heartedly, the result will always be the same. That advice changed my mindset completely.”
This all-or-nothing philosophy shaped his comeback. Rather than succumb to fear of reinjury, Leong leaned into the pressure of professional sport. “In badminton, pressure is something we face every day. From young, I had to adapt and now it has become part of me,” he says.
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That composure has become one of his defining traits on court. Whether facing seasoned names such as Indonesia’s Jonathan Christie or competing against fellow Malaysians for supremacy, Leong enjoys rising to the challenge. “Being the underdog is always better than being the favourite,” he says. “When there’s no pressure, you can play freely and that often brings out the best in my game.”
His philosophy is rooted not just in tactical strategy, but also in perspective gained from hardship. Injury, he says, has taught him patience. “Don’t rush. Everyone who is injured wants to come back as fast as possible, but rushing only risks another setback.”
Above Beyond the intensity of elite sport, Leong finds balance in simplicity, choosing stillness and rest as the quiet counterpoint to his relentless drive
Beyond the intensity of elite sport, Leong finds balance in simplicity, choosing stillness and rest as the quiet counterpoint to his relentless drive
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Today, Leong has reclaimed his status as Malaysia’s premier men’s singles player, with a 2023 national title and a bronze medal at the SEA Games adding to his credentials. Under the tutelage of coach Kenneth Jonassen, he is honing his technique and sharpening his competitive edge, with eyes firmly set on the World Championships in August and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
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Leadership has also entered the frame. As joint captain, Leong sees his role as both motivator and unifier. “Being chosen as captain is a great responsibility. Whether senior or junior, I have to encourage the whole team because teamwork is the most important part. Sometimes that means keeping the morale high, making jokes and making sure everyone feels comfortable in the environment,” he reflects.
Despite the rigours of elite sport, Leong remains grounded in simplicity. Outside of training, his favourite pastime is not night-outs or adrenaline pursuits, but simply resting. “If no one asks me out, I just stay home and enjoy doing nothing in peace. It helps me maintain balance,” he says with a smile, underscoring a humility that belies his competitive ferocity.
When asked what advice he would give to young athletes (or indeed, anyone who feels underestimated) Leong’s response is characteristically steady. “Just do you. The good days will come eventually, if you do everything right by yourself.”
Credits
Photography: Fady Younis
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