RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Former Indonesian men’s doubles badminton player Luluk Hadiyanto believes the men’s team has a chance to bring home the Thomas Cup. Indonesia last won the Thomas Cup in 2021, ending a 19-year title drought.

“I think there is a chance for Indonesia’s Thomas team to bring home the Thomas Cup. In my opinion, the opportunity is there,” Luluk said when contacted by RRI.CO.ID on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

Luluk urged Alwi Farhan to stay focused in every match, noting that Indonesia’s competitors in the team championship are highly competitive. He cited China as having strength across sectors, including singles player Shi Yu Qi, doubles pair Liang Wei Keng/Wang Chang, and second doubles He Ji Ting/Ren Xiang Yu.

Luluk acknowledged that Liang/Wang’s performance in individual tournaments has declined but said they must still be watched closely. He also pointed to South Korea, which excels in doubles, such as world number one pair Kim Won Ho/Seo Seung Jae.

South Korea also has another strong doubles pair, Kang Min Hyuk/Ki Dong Ju, who were finalists at the 2026 Asian Championships.

Next is France, which has balanced strength in both men’s singles and doubles. Although France is not traditionally a badminton nation, the individual achievements of its players should not be underestimated.

France has rising young player Alex Lanier, as well as the Popov brothers, Christo and Toma Junior, who also compete in singles. “In fact, France is the one to watch because I think their strength is very evenly distributed. They have Alex Lanier and the Popov brothers,” he said.

For the 2026 Thomas Cup, the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) is fielding a mix of senior and junior players to bring home the trophy. Senior players include Anthony Sinisuka Ginting and Jonatan Christie in men’s singles.

They are joined by doubles pairs Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri and Sabar Karyaman Gutama/Mohammad Reza Pahlevi Isfahani. The younger players include singles Alwi Farhan and Zaki Ubaidillah, as well as rising doubles pair Raymond Indra/Nikolaus Joaquin.

According to Luluk, the composition of the men’s team for the 2026 Thomas Cup represents Indonesia’s best lineup, including younger players despite their limited experience in team events. “This is indeed the best Indonesia has. But this is also part of player regeneration,” said Luluk.

The 2026 Thomas and Uber Cup will take place in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24 to May 3, 2026. Indonesia is sending a total of 20 players, consisting of 10 men for the Thomas Cup and 10 women for the Uber Cup. (Diffa Sephiawardhani/Sri Wahyuni)