IN HIS IDOL’S FOOTSTEPS
Asian Junior champ Jun Hao wants to emulate Chong Wei
THERE is no looking back for Leong Jun Hao after winning the Asian Junior title on Sunday. He now wants to be as successful as his idol, Lee Chong Wei.
Jun Hao said he has always been motivated by what Chong Wei has achieved but is aware of the challenges and sacrifices needed to become a world class player.
“I have always been amazed by Chong Wei. Every day I watch him train, what he does is out of the ordinary.
“But if he can do it, why can’t I?” said Jun Hao, when met at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport yesterday.
“Chong Wei is my idol and I want to be like him. I still have a long way to go and I need to work very hard.”
Jun Hao added that he is now focused on the World Junior Championships in Yogjakarta in October where he expects the competition to be much stiffer.
“Japan did not compete in the Asian Juniors this time while China will definitely be stronger at the World Juniors. It is hard to gauge until the draw is done.
“Regardless, I will remain focused and train hard to prepare myself.
“I am confident that my coaches will get me ready.”
Jun Hao clinched the Asian boys’ singles title after downing China’s Bai Yupeng 21-6, 20-22, 21-17 in Jakarta. His win ended China's three-year winning streak in the Asian event.