Indonesia Masters 2025: Fajar / Rian Hopes World Champion Hendra / Ahsan Infectious

Men's doubles pair Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto at the Indonesia Masters 2025. (DOK. PBSI)

JAKARTA - Men's doubles pair Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto hopes for the transmission of world champion Hendra Setiawan/Mohammad Ahsan's achievements this year.

Hendra/Ahsan have confirmed that they will retire from badminton. They have played their last competitive match against Junaidi Arif/Roy King Yap in the second round of the Indonesia Masters 2025 on Thursday, January 23 yesterday.

Fajar said that the retirement decision taken by the veteran men's doubles must have made many badminton fans feel sad.

"Hopefully their achievements can be transmitted to us, especially this year there is a World Championship. Hopefully they can be rich as world champions," he said after the 2025 Indonesia Masters semifinal match on Saturday night.

Hendra/Ahsan were recorded as world champions three times, namely 2013, 2015, and 2019. They also had time to return to the final in 2022, but had to settle for being runners up.

This year's World Championships will take place from August 25 to September 1. The important event will take place at the Adidas Arena, Paris, France.

"That is one of our targets this year too. So, hopefully they [Hendra / Ahsan] will retire. We can continue their achievements," said Fajar.

Fajar/Rian managed to beat the Thai pair, Kittinupong Kedren/Dechapol Puavaranukroh, to reach the final round of the Indonesia Masters 2025.

In tomorrow's final match they will meet Malaysian men's doubles, Man Wei Chong/Kai Wun Tee. This will be their second title in the tournament if they manage to climb the highest podium.

Apart from Fajar/Rian, the final ticket was also obtained by Jonatan Christie's men's singles. The 2018 Asian Games gold medalist will meet Thailand's singles, Kunlavut Vitidsarn.