Malaysia’s hopes at the 2025 Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships came to a heartbreaking end on Thursday (February 13) after a gritty 3-2 loss to Indonesia in their Group B clash at Qingdao Conson Sports Centre, China. Despite valiant efforts from rising stars like Leong Jun Hao, the team fell short of securing a quarter-final berth, following an earlier 2-3 defeat to Hong Kong.
The match kicked off with mixed doubles pair Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Lai Jemie battling Indonesia’s Dejan Ferdinansyah-Siti Fadia Ramadhanti in a 64-minute thriller. After clinching the first set 21-17, the Malaysian duo faltered in the next two (13-21, 18-21), handing Indonesia an early lead.
Youngster K. Letshanaa faced a tough challenge against Indonesia’s Komang Ayu, succumbing 12-21, 19-21. The loss widened Malaysia’s deficit, putting immense pressure on the remaining matches.
Leong Jun Hao reignited Malaysia’s chances with a stunning 80-minute performance against Yohanes Saut Marcellyno. After dropping the first set 11-21, Jun Hao staged a dramatic turnaround, winning 22-20, 21-12 to keep the team’s hopes alive.
Teoh Mei Xing and Go Pei Kee fought fiercely in the women’s doubles, taking the first set 21-18. However, Indonesia’s Meilysa Trias-Rachel Allesya dominated the next two sets (7-21, 17-21), sealing Malaysia’s elimination.
Despite the overall defeat, men’s doubles pair Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun delivered a thrilling 65-minute win over Shohibul Fikri-Daniel Marthin (25-27, 21-17, 23-21), showcasing resilience in the dead rubber.
With back-to-back 2-3 losses to Hong Kong and Indonesia, Malaysia exits the tournament at the group stage. However, standout performances from Leong Jun Hao and the men’s doubles pair offer optimism for future competitions like the Thomas Cup and Los Angeles Olympics.
