RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Several Indonesian badminton players reflected on their performances after advancing in their respective matches, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, highlighting physical challenges, tactical adjustments, and respect for their opponents.

Alwi Farhan expressed gratitude after overcoming a familiar rival, despite not being in peak physical condition.

“Alhamdulillah, I’m very grateful. It’s never easy to play against Hu Zhe An. We’ve known each other since our junior days and he’s a very talented player,” Alwi said, as quoted on the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) official website.

He admitted he was still recovering after an intense campaign at the Indonesia Masters the previous week.

“Today I wasn’t at 100 percent physically after fighting hard last week. This week, I just tried to give everything I had in terms of effort and determination. Even though my body hasn’t fully recovered, the ambition to give my best in every match is still there, so I kept fighting,” he continued.

In women’s doubles action, Febi Setianingrum said her match went smoothly and without injury, though she acknowledged the quality of the opposition.

“Alhamdulillah, today’s match went well without injury. Our opponents played quite well, and we had to work hard to attack because their defence was very solid,” she said.

Her partner, Rachel Allessya Rose, echoed the assessment, pointing to the resilience of their opponents.

“What made them difficult was that they were very persistent and not easy to break down. Their attacks were also quite powerful,” Rachel said, adding that physical recovery would be crucial ahead of the next match.

“For tomorrow, we need to take care of our condition because both of us are not feeling 100 percent,” she added.

In men’s doubles, Rahmat Hidayat said his partnership had to overcome early difficulties before settling into the match.

“Alhamdulillah, the match went smoothly without injury. In the first game, we struggled to find our rhythm because we were still adjusting to the wind and the shuttlecock,” he said, noting that their opponents had strong openings and tight defense, particularly in the first two shots.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Rian Ardianto credited tactical guidance from the coaching staff for helping his pair turn the match around.

“After the interval in the third game, we received instructions from the coach to be more confident with every shot, to keep trying and stay focused regardless of the score deficit. Alhamdulillah, we were given the win,” Rian said.

Rian also acknowledged the experience of their opponents, describing them as senior players with a mature playing style.

“They don’t rush and are very good at controlling the game. Earlier, we tried to speed up the tempo too much, which actually made it easier for them to control play. Our evaluation is that we need to be better prepared to deal with our opponents’ game patterns,” he concluded. ***