RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian badminton team will compete at the Orleans Masters 2026 without a representative in the women’s singles category, following the withdrawal of Thalita Ramadhani Wiryawan, who was the sole Indonesian player registered in the women’s singles event.

The decision was confirmed by the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI), citing travel safety concerns linked to escalating tensions between the United States and Iran in the Middle East, according to women’s singles coach Imam Tohari. He said Thalita’s absence was based on collective consideration of her safety and comfort.

“Thalita Ramadhani Wiryawan was withdrawn from the Orleans Masters 2026 after evaluating security and safety factors during her travel to the tournament venue,” Imam said in a PBSI statement on Sunday, March 15, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He added that the dynamic situation in the Middle East, combined with the fact that Thalita would have traveled alone, heightened potential risks. “This decision was made solely to ensure the athlete’s safety and well-being remain our top priority,” he emphasized.

The Orleans Masters, part of the BWF Super 300 series, will take place in France from March 17 to 22. With Thalita’s withdrawal, Indonesia will field ten representatives across four categories: men’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.

In men’s singles, Indonesia will be represented by Anthony Sinisuka Ginting and Moh. Zaki Ubadillah. The men’s doubles squad includes Raymond Indra/Nikolaus Joaquin, Leo Rolly Carnando/Bagas Maulana, and Muhammad Rian Ardianto/Rahmat Hidayat.

Women’s doubles will feature Rachel Allessya Rose/Febi Setianingrum and Febriana Kusuma/Meilysa Trias Puspitasari. Meanwhile, three mixed doubles pairs -- Amri Syahnawi/Nita Violina Marwah, Adnan Maulana/Indah Cahya Sari Jamil, and Dejan Ferdinansyah/Bernadine Wardana -- will also compete.

Despite the absence in women’s singles, Indonesia remains determined to make a strong showing at the tournament, with its athletes spread across multiple disciplines. The decision underscores PBSI’s stance that athlete safety takes precedence over competitive participation. ***