Leong Jun Hao's Patience Leads to Victory at India Open 2025
Leon To
Mon Jan 20 2025
The India Open 2025 badminton tournament witnessed an intense battle between Malaysia's Leong Jun Hao and China's Li Shi Feng, showcasing Jun Hao's remarkable patience and determination on the court. Amidst fierce competition, Jun Hao emerged victorious, proving his worth as a rising star in the badminton world.
Ranked 28th in the world, Leong Jun Hao revealed that the key to his success lies in his patience, as he overcame an initial setback to triumph over the 6th-ranked Li Shi Feng in a thrilling match that ended 18-21, 21-17, 21-17 in favor of the Malaysian player. Reflecting on his performance, Jun Hao stated, "I have played against him 4 times and have never won. Today, I believe I executed my pre-match plan very well, so I am happy to have achieved it."
Acknowledging the significance of this victory, Jun Hao expressed his satisfaction at defeating a formidable opponent like Li Shi Feng, known for his powerful attacking style. Jun Hao attributed his success to staying patient and unleashing more aggressive shots in the second and third sets, a strategy that proved effective in turning the tide of the match in his favor.
Under the guidance of coach Yogendran Krishnan, Jun Hao highlighted the importance of personalized training and strategic focus. Each top player possesses unique strengths, and through tailored coaching and dedicated practice, Jun Hao has honed his skills to compete at the highest level, culminating in his triumph at the India Open 2025.
In another notable result on January 14, 2025, the newly formed duo of Kang Min Hyuk and Jin Yong stunned the Danish pair Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen with a hard-fought victory of 20-22, 21-19, 21-16. Kang Min Hyuk emphasized the team's relentless efforts to improve and adapt to their partnership, following a reshuffling based on pre-season trials. Despite being a new pairing, Kang Min Hyuk and Jin Yong showcased grit and teamwork to overcome formidable opponents, indicating a promising start to their competitive journey.
The India Open 2025 showcased Leong Jun Hao's exceptional display of skill, patience, and determination, culminating in a well-deserved victory against tough competition. With strategic guidance from coach Yogendran Krishnan and relentless dedication to training, Jun Hao's triumph serves as a testament to his rising stature in the badminton world. Additionally, the success of Kang Min Hyuk and Jin Yong emphasizes the importance of teamwork and adaptability in the dynamic sport of badminton, setting the stage for exciting competitive prospects in the tournament's future editions.