KUALA LUMPUR: Leong Jun Hao will only celebrate Chinese New Year with his family tomorrow before returning to camp to prepare for the Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) in Shah Alam on Feb 13-18.
The former Asian junior champion hopes to play a pivotal role in helping Malaysia retain their BATC crown.
Jun Hao, ranked 38th in the world, was a last-minute addition to the Malaysian team after rising star Justin Hoh suffered an injury.
He is the third highest-ranked men's singles shuttler in the team behind world No. 10 Lee Zii Jia and No. 15 Ng Tze Yong.
Malaysia will likely beat Taiwan, Brunei and Kazakhstan to top Group B.
As it is an Olympic year, most countries are fielding their best players, who are hoping to collect ranking points for Paris qualification.
"It will be more competitive this year as shuttlers will be eyeing Olympic ranking points," said Jun Hao.
"I need to be consistent in the BATC and help the team win their ties. I have to be always ready.
On his Chinese New Year celebration, Jun Hao said: "Yes, it is probably the shortest CNY celebration, but I have a tournament and must prepare for it.
"I will spend a day with my family in Seri Kembangan tomorrow."