Indonesia Beats South Korea in Asian Junior Badminton Opener

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia made a strong start to its campaign at the 2026 Asian Junior Championships, sweeping South Korea 2-0 in their opening Group D tie at the Yatsushiro City General Gymnasium, Japan, on Friday, Juune 26.

The Garuda Muda dominated from the outset, taking the first set 55-24 before sealing victory with a 55-41 win in the second. The result provides crucial momentum as Indonesia targets a place in the quarterfinals.

“We are grateful the players performed well. This victory is psychologically important, especially in the first match against Korea, which is never easy,” team manager Eskar Denatara said in a statement released by the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) after the match, as quoted by Antara.

Indonesia’s women’s doubles pair Halifia Usni Pratiwi/Aurelia Syakira Putri set the tone with an 11-5 win in the opening match. Mayla Cahya Afilian Pratiwi extended the lead to 22-6, followed by Fardhan Rainanda Joe and the mixed doubles duo Daffa Edsel Pramono/Atresia Naufa Candani. The set was closed out by Muhammad Rizki Mubarrok/Daffa Edsel Pramono at 55-24.

South Korea pushed harder in the second set, briefly leading 11-8, but Mayla restored Indonesia’s advantage at 22-17. Fardhan, Moses Andar Simanjuntak/Atresia, and finally Joseph Marcellino Kyta/Anju Siahaan carried Indonesia through to a 55-41 finish.

Atresia credited the team’s focus and consistency despite Korea’s tactical changes. “I tried to stay brave and consistent even when the opponents rotated their lineup. Thankfully, we managed to adapt,” she said.

Eskar noted that some players showed nerves early on but quickly settled into rhythm. “Overall, the team delivered their best performance. A few were hesitant at first, but they overcame it once the match progressed,” he added.

Indonesia next faces Macau on Saturday, followed by Malaysia on Sunday. Eskar reminded players to maintain concentration, stressing that the short 11-point games mean every rally is decisive.

“Anything can happen in this format. Whether leading or trailing, the key is to stay calm and focus point by point,” he said. ***