RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia’s campaign at the BWF World Championships 2026 in New Delhi, India, is shaping up as both a test of resilience and a chance to end a seven-year title drought.

With 11 representatives across singles and doubles, the tournament from August 17–23 offers opportunities for new breakthroughs while reviving past glories.

In men’s singles, Alwi Farhan, seeded 11th, opens against South Korea’s Yoo Tae-bin. Should he advance, Alwi could face top seed and defending champion Shi Yu Qi of China in the round of 16 -- a rematch of their clash at the Singapore Open earlier this year, where Alwi stunned Shi in three games.

That potential encounter is seen as one of the most intriguing storylines of the draw, Antara reported.

Elsewhere, Jonatan Christie, seeded third, will again meet Germany’s Matthias Kicklitz, repeating their first-round matchup from the 2025 World Championships in Paris, which Jonatan won convincingly.

In women’s singles, Putri Kusuma Wardani faces Mikaela Joy De Guzman of the Philippines. Putri remains Indonesia’s brightest hope, having won bronze in 2025 -- the nation’s first women’s singles medal at the World Championships in a decade.

Rising talent Thalita Ramadhani Wiryawan will make her debut against Peru’s Ines Lucia Castillo Salazar.

Indonesia’s doubles strength is also on display. Five pairs received first-round byes, including men’s doubles second seeds Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri, ninth seeds Sabar Karyaman Gutama/Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani, and 12th seeds Raymond Indra/Nikolaus Joaquin.

Women’s doubles duos Rachel Allessya Rose/Febi Setianingrum and Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma/Meilysa Trias Puspitasari also advance directly to the round of 32.

Mixed doubles pairs Amri Syahnawi/Nita Violina Marwah and Marwan Faza/Aisyah Salsabila Putri Pranata begin from the opening round against Turkish and Serbian opponents, respectively.

Indonesia last celebrated a world title in 2019, when men’s doubles legends Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan triumphed in Basel. The 2026 edition now offers a chance for the next generation to step forward, with hopes pinned on both seasoned contenders and emerging talents.

This campaign reflects Indonesia’s broader ambition to reclaim its place at the pinnacle of badminton, blending experience with youth across men’s singles, women’s singles, and doubles strength. ***