Indonesian Men's Team Falls to Japan at BATC 2026 Semifinals

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian men’s badminton team was eliminated in the 2026 Badminton Asia Team Championship (BATC) semifinal after a 1-3 loss to Japan, with the tie decided through four matches in a closely contested encounter on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the Conson Gymnasium in Qingdao, China.

Indonesia took an early lead through Moh Zaki Ubaidillah, who secured the opening point by defeating Kenta Nishimoto 22-20, 21-16 in the first men’s singles. Zaki admitted he struggled with focus in the middle of the first game but managed to regain control by adjusting the tempo and staying calm, Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) reported.

Japan responded by leveling the tie in the first men’s doubles. Leo Rolly Carnando/Muhammad Rian Ardianto were beaten by Kakeru Kumagai/Hiroki Nishi 16-21, 17-21, as the Japanese pair grew in confidence and applied constant pressure.

Japan then moved ahead after Prahdiska Bagas Shujiwo lost to Yushi Tanaka 11-21, 15-21 in the second men’s singles. Prahdiska said the match provided valuable lessons against a more experienced opponent, acknowledging the difference in speed and court control.

The tie was decided in the second men’s doubles, where Raymond Indra/Nikolaus Joaquin were defeated by Takumi Nomura/Yuichi Shimogami 17-21, 15-21. Despite the loss, both players said they had given their maximum effort under pressure as Indonesia trailed 1-2.

The final men’s singles between Richie Duta Richardo and Yudai Okimoto was not played.

Several Indonesian players emphasized physical fatigue after a demanding tournament schedule, noting the need to improve fitness and consistency going forward.

Despite the defeat, the semifinal appearance marked another valuable step in Indonesia’s ongoing development at the team level. ***