KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 — Malaysia’s singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen has emphasised the importance of mental toughness and a strong team mindset for Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh as they gear up for the Sudirman Cup 2025, which will be held in Xiamen, China, from April 27 to May 4.
He said the team’s group fixtures against France on April 28, Australia (April 29), and Japan (May 1) in Group C will provide a clear direction for strategising and identifying strengths to capitalise on.
“Practice is going well. I like a practice that also challenges the players because in any match, at a high level or high exposure, you have to overcome your struggles throughout the match.
“Being in a team match, I think it is very important to adopt a team match mindset, which means no matter what I am facing, what I can give back is my fighting ability,” Jonassen told the press after a training session at Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara today.
When asked about the absence of Malaysia’s top men’s singles player Lee Zii Jia, who is recovering from a right ankle injury, he admitted it is a challenge but remained positive.
“Of course, when you do not have your highest-ranked player, the player being in the top 10 in the world, it is a challenge.
"But that is the fact this time, and we will do our very best," Jonassen said.
— Bernama
[caption id="attachment_303240" align="aligncenter" width="1430"]
Justin Hoh in action during the Uganda International Badminton Championships, at the MTN Arena, Kampala, Uganda, on February 26, 2023. — Picture via TWITTER/BAM[/caption]
