As the countdown to the 2025 BWF World Championships intensifies, Malaysia is taking bold steps to ensure its players are fully prepared — by tapping into the expertise of Denmark’s elite badminton scene. From August 18 to 22, a select group of Malaysian shuttlers will participate in a special training camp in Copenhagen, just days before the prestigious event kicks off in Paris from August 25 to 31.
The national squad, which includes rising talents like Leong Jun Hao (World No. 26), Justin Hoh (World No. 45), and K. Letshanaa (World No. 42), will have the rare opportunity to spar with Denmark’s top-tier players. This training collaboration is the result of an invitation extended by Badminton Denmark, a move warmly welcomed by Malaysia’s national coaching director, Kenneth Jonassen.
“We’re incredibly grateful for this opportunity. Training in Europe, especially with such high-caliber opponents, provides our players with a valuable edge before a major competition like the World Championships,” said Jonassen during a media session at Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM).
Denmark’s World-Class Talent to Test Malaysia’s Best
The Danish training camp will see Jun Hao and Justin facing off against seasoned players including Rasmus Gemke (World No. 30), Mads Christophersen (No. 65), and Magnus Johannesen (No. 73). Although superstars like Anders Antonsen (No. 3) and Viktor Axelsen (No. 8) are not currently part of Denmark’s national setup, there remains a possibility that they may drop by for some sparring, adding further value to the sessions.
“Even without the official list, we know Denmark has tremendous depth. Training alongside such a strong group in a different climate and atmosphere is going to be a game-changer,” Jonassen added.
Valuable Exposure for Debutants and Rising Stars
For both Jun Hao and Letshanaa, this year marks their debut at the World Championships, making the European training stint especially crucial. The pair will join Malaysian regulars Lee Zii Jia (World No. 33) and Goh Jin Wei (No. 45), forming a well-rounded national squad heading to Paris.
Letshanaa, in particular, is expected to reap massive benefits from this experience. She is slated to train with some of Denmark’s strongest women’s singles players, including Line Kjaersfeldt (No. 19), Mia Blichfeldt (No. 26), Julie Dawall Jakobsen (No. 30), and Line Christophersen (No. 32). For a young shuttler aiming to make her mark on the global stage, sparring with this level of talent is invaluable.
Final Preparations Before Paris
With the World Championships just around the corner, this initiative underlines Malaysia’s commitment to nurturing its next generation of badminton stars. Exposure to European playing styles, climates, and conditions could play a critical role in fine-tuning strategies and improving adaptability ahead of the tournament.
As Malaysia’s rising stars head to Copenhagen, expectations are high that the experience will elevate their confidence and performance when they step onto the courts of Paris. The training camp isn’t just a tune-up — it’s a strategic investment in the future of Malaysian badminton.
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