In the demanding world of professional badminton, careers can soar or falter in the blink of an eye. For Malaysia’s Leong Jun Hao, the journey has been anything but linear. Touted as one of the country’s most promising shuttlers during his junior years, Leong has faced his fair share of ups and downs since transitioning to the senior circuit. However, with renewed belief and a fresh perspective under coach Kenneth Jonassen’s mentorship, the 25-year-old is beginning to chart a new course. And this time, he’s confident of a full-fledged revival.
A Promising Start Derailed
Leong’s early rise in the badminton world was meteoric. In 2017, he made headlines by finishing runner-up at the BWF World Junior Championships, narrowly losing to China’s rising star, Bai Yupeng. His all-court game, maturity on court, and competitive instincts set him apart. Experts predicted that he would soon follow in the footsteps of Malaysian greats like Lee Chong Wei.
However, the transition to senior-level badminton proved far more complex. Hampered by injuries, inconsistencies, and perhaps the burden of expectations, Leong struggled to find his rhythm. Despite flashes of brilliance—including a few victories over higher-ranked opponents—he was unable to string together consistent results that could propel him into the upper echelons of the sport.
Enter Coach Kenneth A New Chapter Begins
In mid-2024, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) brought in Danish coach Kenneth Jonassen to take charge of the men’s singles department. Known for his no-nonsense attitude and emphasis on discipline, Jonassen had previously coached the likes of Viktor Axelsen and Hans-Kristian Vittinghus.
For Leong, this marked a turning point. “Coach Kenneth brings a completely different mindset,” he shared in a recent interview. “His sessions are intense, but he also focuses a lot on the mental aspect—how to stay present, how to fight through adversity, how to believe in your process.”
Under Jonassen, Leong’s training regimen has undergone a complete overhaul. Mornings are now dominated by footwork drills and physical conditioning. Afternoons are spent simulating high-pressure scenarios. Video analysis, previously a sporadic activity, is now a weekly routine. But most importantly, there’s a renewed focus on clarity and self-belief.
Building a Stronger Foundation
One of the key areas Jonassen identified early was Leong’s tendency to lose focus during crucial phases of a match. “Jun Hao has the tools,” Kenneth was quoted as saying. “What he needs is better match awareness and emotional discipline. We’re working on sharpening those areas.”
To that end, the duo has introduced mindfulness exercises, match journaling, and performance visualization into Leong’s weekly routine. These might sound unconventional, but they have already borne fruit.
“In the past, if I lost a few points in a row, I would panic,” Leong admitted. “Now, I take a breath, reset, and think tactically. It’s helped me stay in control even when things don’t go my way.”
This shift in mental approach was evident during his recent win over Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto. Leong came back from a game down to win in three hard-fought sets. His composure and shot selection under pressure impressed not just fans, but also his peers.
A Sharpened Playing Style
While the mental aspect has improved, Leong’s game on the court has also evolved. He’s now more aggressive, willing to take the initiative in rallies, and smarter with his shot variation.
Coach Kenneth’s influence is clear. “We’ve been working on front-court dominance and mid-rally creativity,” said Leong. “I used to play reactively. Now, I dictate more.”
Observers have noted a greater confidence in his backhand defense, improved use of cross-court slices, and better rotation between offense and defense. His stamina, often a point of concern in long matches, has also improved significantly.
The Long Road Ahead
Despite these gains, Leong remains grounded about the challenges that lie ahead. “This isn’t a one-month fix,” he said. “It’s a process. But I believe in it. Coach Kenneth believes in me. That belief means everything.”
The duo has set short- and long-term goals. In the short term, the target is to break back into the top 40 of the BWF rankings within the next six months. The long-term aim? To qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and to consistently reach the quarterfinals and beyond in BWF Super 500 and 750 tournaments.
“I’m not setting limits anymore,” said Leong. “Every match is a learning experience. As long as I improve, the results will come.”
Teammates and Federation Backing
Leong’s teammates have also spoken highly of the transformation they’ve observed. “He’s more vocal in training now,” said Ng Tze Yong. “More focused too. I think the change in coaching has really helped him.”
The BAM has expressed continued support for Leong’s journey, providing access to sports psychologists, nutritionists, and additional sparring partners. “We see the potential, and we’re investing in it,” said BAM president Norza Zakaria. “With Kenneth guiding him, we believe Jun Hao can return to the elite level.”
The Kunlavut Test and What Lies Beyond
Leong’s immediate challenge comes in the form of Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn. A three-time junior world champion and a top-10 senior player, Kunlavut represents a true test of Leong’s progress.
The two have faced off before, with Kunlavut holding a 2-0 record. However, their matches have been closely contested, with Leong pushing the Thai star in both encounters.
“This is a good benchmark,” said Coach Kenneth. “Win or lose, we’ll know where we stand. And we’ll adjust from there.”
The badminton world is watching. Can Leong’s resurgence under Kenneth produce a genuine upset? And more importantly, can this momentum be sustained over a full season?
The Bigger Picture A New Chapter for Malaysian Badminton
Malaysia has long waited for a new men’s singles player to take the baton from Lee Chong Wei. While names like Lee Zii Jia have emerged, consistency remains elusive. Leong Jun Hao’s disciplined comeback could provide a template for future generations.
More than just talent, Leong’s story is about resilience, adaptation, and the power of belief. His partnership with a coach as experienced and cerebral as Kenneth Jonassen could be the catalyst for something special—not just for his own career, but for Malaysian badminton as a whole.
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