TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Indonesia’s men’s badminton team will open their Group D campaign at the Thomas Cup 2026 against Algeria in Horsens, Denmark, on Friday, April 24, with the match set for 11:30 PM Jakarta time (WIB).
Team captain Fajar Alfian said the squad is in peak condition after completing preparations, including two sessions testing the match venue.
“Our condition is good and we’re ready for tomorrow’s match against Algeria,” Fajar said in an official statement from PBSI following Thursday’s training session.
Despite being favorites on paper, Fajar stressed that Indonesia will not underestimate their opponents, noting that opening matches often come with added pressure.
“We may be favored, but we cannot take them lightly. The first match is never easy and is very important,” he said.
Indonesia holds a strong record against Algeria, having secured a dominant 5–0 win in their last meeting during the group stage of the 2020 Thomas Cup in Aarhus. However, the different tournament setting has prompted the coaching staff to emphasize focus and consistency from the outset.
For this edition, Indonesia relies on singles players Anthony Sinisuka Ginting and Jonatan Christie, supported by rising talents Alwi Farhan and Mohammad Zaki Ubaidillah.
In doubles, the pairing of Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri will be the mainstay. Additional options include non-national training center duo Sabar Karyaman Gutama and Mohammad Reza Pahlevi Isfahani, as well as young pair Raymond Indra and Nikolaus Joaquin.
Indonesia faces a demanding group-stage schedule. After Algeria, the team will take on Thailand on April 26, before closing the group stage against France on April 28.
Read: Schedule of Indonesia Team for 2026 Thomas and Uber Cup
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