Malaysia’s Badminton Team Aims to Win at BAMTC 2025
The Malaysian badminton team may be considered a back-up squad for the upcoming Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships (BAMTC) 2025 in Qingdao, China, but national singles head coach Kenneth Jonassen has made it clear that the team will not just be there to "shuttle" through the competition.
In an interview after a training session, Jonassen emphasized that the team will aim for victory in every match they play during the tournament, which will take place from February 11-16. "I think overall, when you send a team on the day we go to try to perform at our very best, if we win, great but if we lose, then we’ll look at that," he said.
"But we are there to try to win the matches we are playing in and not just think of it as pure development. Development is also finding a way to win, but I think we can agree that that’s what all are in for, trying to find a way to win," Jonassen added.
Malaysia are drawn in Group B alongside Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Kazakhstan, with only the top two teams from each group qualifying for the quarterfinals. Jonassen acknowledged that the team may face a tough task if Indonesia and Hong Kong bring their strong singles players to the tournament, but he believes that facing the best is a crucial opportunity to learn.
"When you play against the best, you get to face this level, and if you play a lesser strong opponent, then the pressure suddenly is on you," he said. "This a crucial opportunity to learn."
The Malaysian team comprises several experienced players, including independent mixed doubles pair Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai and mixed doubles pair Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin. In the men’s singles department, Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh will represent Malaysia, while K. Letshanaa and Wong Ling Ching will compete in the women’s singles.
World number 13, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, and Yap Roy King-Wan Arif Wan Junaidi, who recently won the Indonesia Masters 2025, will shoulder the men’s doubles task. The women’s doubles will consist of Teoh Mei Xing-Go Pei Kee and Tan Zhing Yi-Cheng Su Hui.
Conclusion
Malaysia’s badminton team is determined to win at the upcoming BAMTC 2025, despite being considered a back-up squad. With a mix of experienced and younger players, the team is aiming to make a strong impression at the tournament and learn from facing the best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Malaysia’s badminton team considered a back-up squad for BAMTC 2025?
A: Malaysia’s badminton team is considered a back-up squad because some of their top players are recovering from injuries and not participating in the tournament.
Q: Who will represent Malaysia in the mixed doubles event?
A: Independent mixed doubles pair Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai and mixed doubles pair Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin will represent Malaysia in the mixed doubles event.
Q: Who will compete in the men’s singles department for Malaysia?
A: Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh will represent Malaysia in the men’s singles department.
Q: Who will shoulder the men’s doubles task for Malaysia?
A: World number 13, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, and Yap Roy King-Wan Arif Wan Junaidi will shoulder the men’s doubles task.