Indonesia Badminton Team Brings 7 Experienced Players and 13 Debutants to the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games.

New faces will feature in Indonesia's badminton squad for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Out of the 20 shuttlers selected by PP PBSI to represent the Red and White national team, 13 players will make their Asian Games debut at this largest sporting event in Asia.

This line-up of debutants reflects the ongoing regeneration process within the Indonesian badminton ecosystem. They will experience the Asian Games atmosphere for the first time, competing alongside seven players who already have prior tournament experience from the previous edition.

The 13 debutants are Alwi Farhan, Moh Zaki Ubaidillah, Muhamad Yusuf, Muhammad Shohibul Fikri, Nikolaus Joaquin, Amri Syahnawi, Thalita Ramadhani Wiryawan, Ni Kadek Dhinda Amartya Pratiwi, Mutiara Ayu Puspitasari, Rachel Allessya Rose, Febi Setianingrum, Meilysa Trias Puspitasari, and Nita Violina Marwah.

Meanwhile, the remaining seven players are not new names in Asian Games competition. They are Jonatan Christie, Fajar Alfian, Leo Rolly Carnando, Daniel Marthin, Putri Kusuma Wardani, Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma, and Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti.

All seven were previously part of Indonesia's squad at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games. Their experience at this continental multi-sport event is expected to act as a vital asset when dealing with match pressure in Aichi-Nagoya.

Jonatan and Fajar Act as Squad Senior Figures

Among the 20 selected players, Jonatan Christie and Fajar Alfian are the two most experienced members. The 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will mark the third Asian Games appearance for both athletes.

Jonatan and Fajar first competed at the Asian Games during the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang edition. At that tournament, Jonatan won the gold medal in the men's singles event.

Fajar also returned with a medal from the 2018 Asian Games. Partnered with Muhammad Rian Ardianto, he claimed the silver medal in men's doubles.

Both athletes were also part of the Indonesian men's team that secured the silver medal in the men's team event at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games.

Four years later, Jonatan and Fajar once again represented Indonesia at the Hangzhou Asian Games. Leo Rolly Carnando, Daniel Marthin, Putri Kusuma Wardani, Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma, and Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti also competed alongside them at that edition.

Team Events Set as Initial Priority

Badminton competition at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will open with the team events. Team matches are scheduled to run from 20 to 24 September, before the individual events are held from 25 to 29 September.

Eng Hian, PP PBSI Head of Athlete Development and Achievement, confirmed that team events will be Indonesia's initial focus.

"Our main priority is the team events first. We want every player to perform at their full capability and give their best contribution for both the men's and women's squads," stated Eng Hian.

For the 13 debutants, the 2026 Asian Games will be an entirely new competitive experience. They will face the high-pressure atmosphere of international multi-nation competition, while also proving they can deliver on the trust that PBSI has placed in them on court.

Meanwhile, the presence of Jonatan and Fajar provides critical experienced leadership for the squad. Both have first-hand understanding of competing at Asian Games level, including managing the pressure that comes with carrying high performance targets for Indonesia.