Malaysia’s junior shuttlers will need to raise their level significantly ahead of the World Junior Championships, set to take place in Guwahati, India, from 6-19 October 2025.

The national contingent returned without a medal from the individual event of the Badminton Asia Junior Championships, with girls’ doubles pair Dania Sofea Zaidi-Low Zi Yu, and mixed doubles combinations Datu Anif Isaac-Dania and Loh Ziheng-Nuraqilah Maisarah Ramdan all bowing out in the quarter-finals.

Earlier in the tournament, Malaysia also suffered a quarter-final exit in the mixed team event, losing to eventual champions China.

The results have cast a spotlight on the performance gap between Malaysia and regional powerhouses such as China and Indonesia, prompting a call for introspection and improvement.

Team manager cum former Penang BA Honorary Secretary, Leong Kin Weng emphasised the need for a fresh approach in preparing the squad for the global stage.

“To improve, we need to change the training modules, focus more on our weak points like footwork, strengthen the mental aspect, speed and power,” said Kin Weng.

Despite the overall outcome, Kin Weng acknowledged the promise shown by several players.

“Our player who I can see have improved are Dania, Zi Yu, Nuraqilah, Ziheng, Nur Aina Maisarah Hatta (girls’ and mixed doubles) and Lim Boon Le (boys’ singles). They are likely our future. Others need a lot of exposure to strengthen their mindset.”