Indonesia Sends 12 Representatives to Japan Open 2026 in Tokyo

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia will showcase its strength in badminton by sending 12 representatives to the prestigious BWF World Tour Super 750 Japan Open 2026, held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium from July 14–19. The squad features a mix of established stars and promising young talents across all five categories.

In men’s singles, Indonesia is represented by Jonatan Christie, Alwi Farhan, and Moh. Zaki Ubaidillah. Jonatan and Alwi secured places in the main draw, while Ubaidillah -- also known as Ubed -- entered from the reserve list after withdrawals by several top players.

Women’s singles sees Putri Kusuma Wardani as the sole Indonesian entry, underscoring the challenge of maintaining presence in this category.

Men’s doubles remains one of Indonesia’s strongest sectors, featuring three pairs: Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri, Sabar Karyaman Gutama/Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani, and Raymond Indra/Nikolaus Joaquin.

Women’s doubles will be contested by Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma/Meilysa Trias Puspitasari, Amallia Cahaya Pratiwi/Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti, and Rachel Allessya Rose/Febi Setianingrum.

Meanwhile, mixed doubles include Jafar Hidayatullah/Felisha Alberta Nathaniel Pasaribu and Amri Syahnawi/Nita Violina Marwah.

For Ubed, the Japan Open offers a breakthrough opportunity. Having entered from the reserve list, he now sets his sights on reaching the quarterfinals.

“Yes, the target is to make the top eight,” he said at the Indonesian Badminton Association's (PBSI) National Training Center in East Jakarta on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

His first-round opponent will be Denmark’s Rasmus Gemke, which will be a tough test before potentially facing either Anders Antonsen of Denmark or France's Toma Junior Popov. “I need to focus on the first match. It won’t be easy, but if I win, the next round could be against Antonsen or Popov,” Ubed explained.

Initially, Ubed did not expect to play in Tokyo since he was listed as the second reserve. However, the withdrawals of India's H.S. Prannoy and Denmark's Viktor Axelsen opened the door for him. “Maybe it’s just my luck for Japan Open,” he admitted.

The 21-year-old from Sampang Regency, Madura, East Java, acknowledged that competing at the senior level demands more than technical skill. “Facing senior players is about mental strength, not just technique. I need to control my emotions better because sometimes I lose focus after leading,” he said.

Coaches, he added, have emphasized the importance of mindset and physical conditioning to help him adapt to elite competition. Despite the challenges, Ubed remains motivated. “As a young player, my ambition is very high. I keep learning from senior players, and that motivates me even more,” he concluded. ***