Leong Jun Hao (Chinese: 梁峻豪; pinyin: Liáng Jùnháo), born on 13 July 1999, is a talented Malaysian badminton player who has made significant strides in the sport. Known for his agility and determination, Leong has become a prominent figure in the badminton world, particularly after his victory at the 2017 Asian Junior Championships and his subsequent achievements on the international stage.
Leong Jun Hao | |
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Country | Malaysia |
Date of Birth | 13 July 1999 |
Place of Birth | Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
Height | 1.72 m |
Handedness | Right |
Current Ranking | 27 (28 January 2025) |
@junhao_leong |
Early Life and Background
Leong Jun Hao was born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to parents Celine Low and Anthony Leong. His journey in badminton began as a casual pastime, playing outside his home. However, by the age of 9, he started taking the sport more seriously under the guidance of his father. Recognizing his potential, Leong joined the prestigious Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) at 13, where he honed his skills and developed into a competitive player.
In late 2018, Leong faced a significant setback when he suffered two hip injuries, causing his world ranking to plummet from 40th to 120th. Despite this challenge, he remained resilient and worked hard to regain his form.
Career Highlights
Breakthrough in 2017
Leong’s career took off in 2017 when he clinched the Asian Junior Championships title by defeating China’s Bai Yupeng in the final. Later that year, he reached the final of the World Junior Championships, where he faced Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn. Although he put up a strong fight, he ultimately lost in three games, earning a silver medal.
In November 2017, Leong made his first appearance in a senior final at the Malaysia International Challenge, where he was defeated by fellow Malaysian Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin.
2018: First Senior Title
The following year, Leong continued to make waves. In January, he reached the final of the Thailand Masters as a qualifier but lost to Indonesia’s Tommy Sugiarto. However, he bounced back in April by winning his first senior title at the Finnish Open, defeating compatriot Cheam June Wei in a thrilling three-game match.
2019–2020: Steady Progress
In December 2019, Leong reached the final of the Bangladesh International but was defeated by India’s Lakshya Sen. He also contributed to Malaysia’s success at the 2020 Asian Team Championships, where the men’s team secured a silver medal.
2022: Gold at Asian Team Championships
Leong played a pivotal role in Malaysia’s victory at the 2022 Asian Team Championships, helping the team win gold. Later that year, he claimed his first BWF World Tour title at the Indonesia Masters, defeating Cheam June Wei in another hard-fought match.
2023: SEA Games and National Champion
The year 2023 was a landmark year for Leong. He made his debut at the SEA Games, where he helped Malaysia secure a silver medal in the men’s team event. Individually, he won a bronze medal in the men’s singles after losing to Indonesia’s Christian Adinata in the semi-finals.
In July 2023, Leong achieved another milestone by winning the Malaysian National Badminton Championships, earning the title of national champion. He continued his winning streak at the KL Masters in October, defeating top seed Lee Chia-hao in the final.
2024: Japan Masters Final
In November 2024, Leong reached the final of the Japan Masters, a Super 500-level tournament. Although he lost to China’s Li Shifeng, his performance showcased his growing prowess on the international stage.
Achievements
Southeast Asian Games
- Men’s team: Silver (2023)
- Men’s singles: Bronze (2023)
Asian Team Championships
- Men’s team: Gold (2022), Silver (2020)
World Junior Championships
- Boys’ singles: Silver (2017)
Asian Junior Championships
- Boys’ singles: Gold (2017)
BWF World Tour
Men’s singles: 2 titles, 2 runners-up
- 2018
- Thailand Masters (Super 300): Runner-up
- 2022
- Indonesia Masters (Super 100): Winner
- 2023
- Malaysia Masters (Super 100): Malaysia Masters
- 2024
- Japan Masters (Super 500): Runner-up
BWF International Challenge/Series
Men’s singles: 1 title, 2 runners-up
- 2017
- Malaysia International: Runner-up
- 2018
- Finnish Open: Winner
- 2019
- Bangladesh International: Runner-up
Playing Style and Legacy
Leong Jun Hao is known for his speed, precision, and tactical play on the court. His ability to adapt to different opponents and situations has made him a formidable competitor. Despite facing injuries and setbacks early in his career, Leong’s perseverance and dedication have earned him a place among Malaysia’s top badminton players.