Indonesia's Men's Team Badminton Squad Advances to the 2026 Asian Games Final, Only One Step Remaining to Win the Gold Medal.

Indonesia's men's badminton team is now one step closer to gold at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. The Garuda squad secured their spot in the final after overcoming Thailand with a 3-1 victory in the semifinal match held in Ichinomiya, Aichi, Japan.

Progress to the final was far from straightforward. Indonesia dropped the opening match point before the next three representatives turned the tide of the tie.

Men's singles player Jonatan Christie took to the court first against Kunlavut Vitidsarn. Christie was unable to match the Thai athlete, falling in straight games 17-21, 14-21.

Indonesia responded through men's doubles pair Fajar Alfian / Muhammad Shohibul Fikri. The duo defeated Peeratchai Sukphun / Pakkapon Teeraratsakul in straight games 21-13, 21-19.

With the score level at 1-1, momentum swung firmly in Indonesia's favour when Alwi Farhan stepped out for the third match.

Farhan delivered a strong performance against Puritat Arree, sealing a straight games win 21-15, 21-13. This result put Indonesia ahead 2-1, leaving the team needing just one more victory to lock in their final berth.

That required final point was delivered by Leo Rolly Carnando / Daniel Marthin. Taking to the court for the fourth match, the Indonesian pair faced Chaloempon Charoenkitamorn / Worrapol Thongsa-Nga with full confidence.

The Indonesian duo controlled the entire match and secured a straight games victory 21-15, 21-13. This win confirmed Indonesia's 3-1 victory over Thailand and booked their place in the gold medal match.

"We are grateful we were able to contribute this point and get Indonesia through. This is all thanks to the support from all our teammates," stated Daniel after the match in Ichinomiya, Aichi, Japan on Wednesday evening.

Leo and Daniel entered the match with renewed motivation, having suffered a quarterfinal defeat the day prior. However, they did not allow that experience to disrupt their focus when they returned to the court.

In terms of match statistics and competitive experience, Leo and Daniel held a clear advantage over Chaloempon / Worrapol. This marked the Thai pair's very first appearance at Asian Games level.

Leo confirmed he only intended to focus fully on the match at hand, without carrying the burden of their previous result. For him, this semifinal was a fresh opportunity to earn a point for the Indonesian national team.

"At the end of the day I just came here to win. I didn't want to keep dwelling on what happened yesterday, my only focus was playing for today," said Leo.

Leo and Daniel's victory concluded the four-match semifinal tie between Indonesia and Thailand. Out of the four matches played, Indonesia took three wins to confirm their place in the final round.

Having advanced past Thailand, Indonesia's men's badminton team will now compete in the deciding fixture as they contest for gold at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.