Taufik Hidayat Applauds Two Indonesian Pairs for Reaching Asian Games Finals

RRI.CO.ID, Nagoya - Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia, Taufik Hidayat, has praised the achievement of two Indonesian badminton pairs who advanced to the finals of the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games.

The two Indonesian representatives are mixed doubles pair Amri Syahnawi/Nita Violina Marwah and men's doubles pair Leo Rolly Carnando/Daniel Marthin. Amri/Nita reached the final after defeating China's Feng Yan Zhe/Huang Dongping 2-0, 21-12 and 21-14. Meanwhile, Leo/Daniel defeated South Korea's Kim Won Ho/Seo Seung Jae 2-0, 21-11 and 21-14.

"Yes, I feel relieved and grateful. Tomorrow, we have the men's doubles and mixed doubles finals. Hopefully, we can win more gold medals tomorrow. But the key lies with the athletes," Taufik said after watching the semifinal matches at Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium on Monday, 28 September 2026.

Taufik said the Indonesian badminton players had given their best efforts in the semifinals, although men's singles player Alwi Farhan and men's doubles pair Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri were eliminated and each secured a bronze medal.

Alwi lost to Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn 0-2, 13-21 and 15-21. Meanwhile, Fajar/Fikri were defeated by China's Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang 1-2, 17-21, 21-13 and 9-21.

"I also wanted Alwi to win earlier, but we should still be grateful. Fajar/Fikri also lost today. But they have given their best. Let's leave those results behind and focus on tomorrow's finals. Hopefully, they can give their best," he explained.

Regarding the performances of young players such as Alwi Farhan and Moh. Zaki Ubaidillah, Taufik said their participation in the 2026 Asian Games would provide valuable experience to help them improve their skills and level of play for future competitions.

The Deputy Minister also praised Amri/Nita and Leo/Daniel for defeating strong opponents in the semifinals. He said the athletes' readiness would be a key factor in the finals, where rankings are no guarantee of success.