Malaysia made a winning start to the men’s badminton team event at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, cruising to a 3-0 victory over Mongolia in the opening round today.
The win at Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium sets up a tougher quarter-final clash against top seeds Indonesia tomorrow.
Leong Jun Hao got Malaysia off the mark in the opening singles match, beating Batdavaa Munkhbat 21-13, 21-12.
National men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani then extended Malaysia’s advantage with a dominant 21-5, 21-5 win over Bishrelt Erdene Odbayar and Battugs Bayarsaikhan.
Justin Hoh completed the clean sweep, defeating Gerelsukh Jargalsaikhan 21-7, 21-5 to seal Malaysia’s 3-0 victory.
National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky said the opening match was important for the players to familiarise themselves with the court and surroundings before facing Indonesia.
“While the result against Mongolia was expected, it at least gave us the opportunity to try out the venue and get a feel of the environment.
“Hopefully, the players will use it to their advantage,” he said.
Rexy also advised the Malaysian players not to be distracted by Indonesia’s status as the top seeds, as they prepare for tomorrow’s quarter-final.
