TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian badminton squad is primed for the upcoming Badminton Asia Championships, held at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Center in China from April 7 to 12, 2026. A total of 16 Indonesian representatives will compete in this prestigious continental tournament, featuring a blend of senior and junior players deemed an ideal tactical mix.
Several prominent names anchor the squad, including Jonatan Christie, Putri Kusuma Wardani, and the men's doubles pairing of Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri.
Simultaneously, the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) has opened doors for several youngsters to gain high-level exposure. Among the debutants are men's singles player Mohammad Zaki Ubaidillah, women's singles prospect Thalita Ramadhani Wiryawan, and the mixed doubles duo Devin Artha Wahyudi and Ali Fathir Rayhan.
The pair of Raymond Indra and Nikolaus Joaquin will also make their first appearance at the Asian Championships.
However, the roster excludes Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, despite the 2023 champion having recovered from injury. A similar situation applies to Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo, who remains off the squad list despite her recent return to competitive play.
PBSI has set a target of securing at least one title, seeking redemption after Indonesia failed to bring home a gold medal in the previous edition.
The tournament serves as a critical stage for young talents like Thalita Ramadhani Wiryawan to showcase their progress. "Preparation for these championships is solid. Since this is my first time at the Badminton Asia Championships, there is a real sense of excitement," Thalita remarked.
She views her previous experience at the Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) as a vital stepping stone. "Competing in the BATC allowed me to face senior players, which boosted my confidence and helped me play more freely," she added.
Matching that sentiment, men's doubles debutants Devin Artha Wahyudi and Ali Fathir Rayhan noted that the stakes are significantly higher than their usual circuit. "Because this is a Super 1000-level event, the opponents are undoubtedly superior. Our preparation has to be much more optimal," Devin noted.
In the opening round, Devin and Fathir are awaiting the conclusion of the qualification phase to identify their opponents. "Our focus is entirely on delivering the best possible performance in that first match," Devin said.
Ahead of the opening matches, the Indonesian team has tested the arena and reported a smooth transition. "There is a slight draft on the court, but overall, we have adapted well," Thalita observed.
The Indonesian contingent was reduced by one following the withdrawal of women's doubles pair Isyana Syahira Meida and Rinjani Kwinnara Nastine, with Rinjani reportedly still recovering from typhoid fever.
The List of Indonesian Shuttlers in the 2026 Badminton Asia Championships
Men's Singles
1. Jonatan Christie
2. Alwi Farhan
3. Mohammad Zaki Ubaidillah
Women's Singles
1. Putri Kusuma Wardani
2. Thalita Ramadhani Wiryawan
Men's Doubles
1. Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri
2. Sabar Karyaman Gutama/Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani
3. Raymond Indra/Nikolaus Joaquin
4. Devin Artha Wahyudi/Ali Fathir Rayhan
Women's Doubles
1. Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma/Meilysa Trias Puspitasari
2. Rachel Allessya Rose/Febi Setianingrum
3. Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti/Amallia Cahaya Pratiwi
Mixed Doubles
1. Jafar Hidayatullah/Felisha Alberta Nathaniel Pasaribu
2. Amri Syahnawi/Nita Violina Marwah
3. Adnan Maulana/Indah Cahya Sari Jamil
4. Bobby Setiabudi/Melati Daeva Oktavianti
Read: Indonesia vs. Malaysia Preview: 2026 ASEAN Futsal Cup
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