KBRN, Jakarta: Jakarta’s iconic Istora Senayan is hosting a bold new chapter in badminton from October 2 to 5, as BDMNTN-XL Jakarta 2025 introduces a fast-paced, entertainment-driven format that blends sport with spectacle. 

Departing from traditional match structures, the tournament pits teams of three against each other in eight-minute showdowns, combining singles matches with dynamic 3-on-3 play.

Designed to heighten drama and viewer engagement, the competition features innovations such as the “Pressure Point” rule which requiring leading teams to score an additional point if the margin is three at the buzzer, and the “Ultimate Shuttle Showdown,” a sudden-death tiebreaker that decides the winner in deadlocked matches.

Thirty-two players are competing across four teams, each captained by a legendary Indonesian shuttler: Greysia Polii (Lightning), Vita Marissa (Rockets), Hendra Setiawan (Blitzers), and Flandy Limpele (Hurricanes). 

The tournament offers a total prize pool of USD 750,000, with the winning team receiving USD 350,000 to be split evenly among its members.

International stars have joined the fray, representing Denmark, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Canada, Malaysia, Scotland, Vietnam, and host nation Indonesia. 

Notable names include Viktor Axelsen, Alexandra Boje, and Mia Blichfeldt from Denmark; Lee Cheuk Yu and Tse Ying Suet from Hong Kong; and India’s Chirag Shetty and Treesa Jolly. 

Japan fields Kodai Naraoka, Misaki Matsutomo, and Yuta Watanabe, while Malaysia sends a strong contingent, including Goh Sze Fei and Shevon Jemie Lai. Michelle Li (Canada), Kirsty Gilmour (Scotland), and Nguyen Thuy Linh (Vietnam) round out the international roster.

Indonesia’s top athletes are also in action, with Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, Apriyani Rahayu, Jonatan Christie, and Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti among those competing before a home crowd.

Beyond the court, BDMNTN-XL offers a vibrant Fan Village featuring food stalls, exclusive merchandise, interactive games, and live music performances by Tangga Nada, No Signal, and Lunar Band. 

Visual artist Hana Madness will stage a live painting session on October 4, with her “Joyfish Smasher” artwork featured as official merchandise.

“This is a celebration of badminton culture,” said SPOTV CEO CK Lee, as quoted by rri.co.id. “From world-class athletes to music, food, art, and fan activities, we aim to deliver an experience that captures the spirit of badminton and the energy of Jakarta.”

Rockets player Muhammad Rian Ardianto expressed excitement about the new format, saying, “It’s my first time joining, and I’m thrilled to be part of it.” The Rockets recently defeated Hurricanes duo Reza Isfahani and Mathias Christiansen with a 2–1 scoreline.

Matches begin daily at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Jakarta time, with the grand final scheduled for Sunday, October 5 at 4 p.m. Jakarta time. 

Tickets start at IDR 65,000, with premium categories offering merchandise vouchers and priority access. Gates open at 1 p.m., and spectators are advised to check tickets at the Fan Village entrance. ***