Indonesian badminton legends Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo and Tantowi Ahmad have voiced their deep concerns over the significant decline in the nation’s badminton achievements in 2025, pinpointing a critical issue in the mental fortitude and motivation of current players.
By mid-season, Indonesia has managed to secure only two BWF World Tour titles at the Super 300 level, a stark contrast to previous years. The lack of success is evident across various top-tier tournaments, with Indonesian representatives failing to clinch titles at the Thailand Open, Malaysia Masters, Singapore Open, Indonesia Open, and the prestigious All England.
Kevin Sanjaya and Tantowi Ahmad, both stalwarts of Indonesian badminton, have specifically raised concerns about the players’ mental resilience and a perceived lack of motivation, particularly during training sessions. They argue that this directly impacts performance when competing in high-stakes tournaments.
Their observations shed light on a crucial aspect beyond physical prowess, suggesting that a strong mental game is paramount for athletes to consistently perform at the elite level and bring glory to the nation. The comments from these seasoned players serve as a call to action for the Indonesian badminton fraternity to address the psychological aspects of player development alongside technical and physical training.