RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - After years of uneven results at one of badminton’s most prestigious tournaments, Indonesia’s Putri Kusuma Wardani is aiming to convert steady progress into a podium finish at the Polytron Indonesia Open 2026, scheduled for June 2-7.

Putri made the pledge following her gradual progress over the last three editions. Her results at the BWF World Tour Super 1000 tournament have fluctuated, reaching the second round in 2023, exiting in the first round in 2024, before recording her best result by advancing to the quarterfinals in 2025.

“My target is to reach the podium,” Putri said in Jakarta on Tuesday, April 14, as quoted by Antara.

Despite her ambition, Putri admitted her preparation has not been optimal as she has just returned from a series of European tournaments and the Badminton Asia Championships. “I just got back, so I haven’t resumed training yet. But I will definitely maximize my preparation,” she said.

The break before the Indonesia Open is expected to be an opportunity for her to improve technical, physical, and motor aspects. “Everything will be improved: technique, motor skills, physical condition; all of it,” she added.

She also pointed to key evaluations from her recent performances, particularly in maintaining focus and consistency on court. “Overall, it’s about consistency and focus on court. That’s what needs much more attention,” she further said.

Putri cited her latest match at the Badminton Asia Championships last week, where she lost in a three-game match to China’s Gao Fangjie, 21-18, 12-21, 17-21. “In the final points, sometimes I’m still hesitant in making decisions. I should be braver in taking opportunities,” she continued.

She added that the difference between elite players lies not only in technique but also in mindset and consistency in executing strategies. “Top players stand out because of their mindset and their consistency in applying technique and strategy, which makes them difficult to beat,” Putri concluded.

With those evaluations, Putri hopes to deliver a more stable performance at Istora and continue her upward trend at the Indonesia Open. ***