PBSI Officially Extends Fajar/Fikri Pair Duet

JAKARTA The Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) officially extended the trial period for the pair Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri.

Fajar/Fikri were previously combined for a while last month and fell in Japan and the 2025 China Open. Their performance then resulted in a title in China, which is at the level of Super 1000 BWF.

Antonius Budi Ariantho as coach said this decision was taken to see Fajar/Fikri's consistency after successfully winning the title as well as looking for new combinations that could compete at the top level.

"Yesterday saw Fajar/Fikri's performance and performance was quite good at the Japan and the 2025 China Open. I want to try to see if they can consistently compete at the top level," said Anton.

The pair will be registered in the next two events, namely the China Masters Super 750 (16-21 September 2025) and the Korea Open Super 500 (23-28 September 2025).

Apart from Fajar/Fikri, PBSI is also trying a new combination of Muhammad Rian Ardianto/Yeremia Erich Yoche Yacob Rambitan. The couple will also be registered in the two events.

"Likewise with Rian/Yeremia, the status is a trial of two tournaments first. I want to see what it looks like. There is still Rahmat (Hidayat) which can also be tried," said Anton.

This trial program is planned to last until the end of the year while waiting for the recovery of Daniel Marthin, who is Fikri's partner.

"If Fajar/Fikri can consistently play their game, they may be patented, as well as other couples who can show positive results," said Anton.

However, the Fajar and Rian pair will first focus on the 2025 World Championships which are already near. This prestigious event will be held in Paris, France, on August 25-31, 2025.

"After that, I will start preparations with his new partner. There are two weeks of preparation because Fajar/Rian I will withdraw his participation from the Hong Kong Open 2025," said Anton.