Pressure is the Name of the Game for Malaysia Open 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 28
Pressure is an inevitable part of badminton, especially when playing on home ground, as in the upcoming Malaysia Open 2025, said national men’s singles coach K. Yogendran. "No pressure, no fun. The pressure is always there, so I tell the players to enjoy the moment," he said during a training session, urging his players to embrace it as an integral aspect of the sport.
Fighting Spirit Takes Center Stage
Yogendran emphasized the importance of displaying fighting spirit on the court, saying it matters more than anything else. "I’m not aiming for the first round, second round, or anything specific, but if we do things right, the results will follow. My target is for the players to step onto the court and give their best," he said.
Aiming for the Top
Although Yogendran, 42, has not set specific targets for the Malaysia Open, he remains optimistic that the results will follow if his players execute their strategies effectively. "I’m not aiming for the first round, second round, or anything specific, but if we do things right, the results will follow. My target is for the players to step onto the court and give their best," he said.
Breaking the Drought
The former national player also hoped that local shuttlers would end the nation’s title drought at the season-opening, scheduled at the Axiata Arena from Jan 7 to 12. Malaysia’s last champion at the Malaysia Open was badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei, who clinched the title in 2018. The Super 1000 tournament offers a total prize purse of USD1.45 million (approximately RM6.48 million).
New Head Coach
Yogendran welcomed the upcoming arrival of Denmark’s Kenneth Jonassen as the new head singles coach, expressing confidence that his leadership would help build a strong squad capable of competing for major titles in the future. Jonassen, a former international, will officially take up his role on Jan 4 under a four-year contract running until 2028. The 50-year-old has been instrumental in shaping world number four Viktor Axelsen, guiding him to significant achievements such as the 2017 World Championship title and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medal.
Conclusion
As the Malaysia Open 2025 approaches, the pressure is on for the national badminton team. With a new head coach and a strong squad, the team is poised to make a comeback and end the nation’s title drought. With their fighting spirit and determination, they are ready to take on the best of the best and bring home the title.
FAQs
Q: What is the main challenge for the national badminton team in the upcoming Malaysia Open 2025?
A: Pressure and expectation to perform well on home ground.
Q: What is the importance of displaying fighting spirit on the court?
A: It matters more than anything else, according to national men’s singles coach K. Yogendran.
Q: What is the total prize purse for the Super 1000 tournament?
A: USD1.45 million (approximately RM6.48 million).