Malaysia smash Mongolia, to face Indonesia in Asian Games quarters

Malaysia cruised past Mongolia 3-0 in the first round of the men’s badminton event at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at the Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium here today.

The players can expect a sterner test in the last eight tomorrow where they will be up against top seeds Indonesia.

Men’s singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao delivered Malaysia’s first point against Mongolia, defeating Batdavaa Munkhbat 21-13, 21-12 in the first singles match.

Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani doubled Malaysia’s lead, trouncing Bishrelt Erdene Odbayar-Battugs Bayarsaikhan 21-5, 21-5 in the doubles, before Justin Hoh sealed the triumph with a 21-7, 21-5 win over Gerelsukh Jargalsaikhan.

National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky said the opening game against Mongolia was crucial for the players to get an early feel of the courts and the environment before they take on Indonesia in the quarter-finals.

“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, advising the shuttlers not to worry about Indonesia’s top seed status.