Indonesian Badminton Still Becomes King In Thomas Cup

The Indonesian team in the 2024 Thomas Cup (doc. PBSI).

JAKARTA Indonesia is still the king of the Thomas Cup regarding the title since the men's team competition first started in 1949.

The prestigious championship will be held again this year from April 27 to May 5, 2024 at the Chengdu High-tech Zone Sports Center Gymnasium, Chengdu, China.

Indonesia lowered its full strength to face the tournament. Indonesia's badminton parent, PBSI, also targeted Jonatan Christie and his friends to bring back trophies.

In the history of the event, Indonesia topped the list of countries with the most Thomas Cup trophies. In total, as many as 14 titles have been brought back to the country.

In addition, Red-White has also been runner-up seven times. The latest runners-up occurred in the 2022 edition, after losing against India in the final match.

Indonesia got the first trophy from the Thomas Cup in 1958. In the two editions after that, Indonesia was able to maintain the title, namely in 1961 and 1964.

Then, in the 1967 edition, Indonesia also returned to the final. However, in the match to determine the title of Red and White must recognize the superiority of neighboring Malaysia.

The next four editions, Indonesia again dominated this tournament. Two countries, Malaysia and Denmark, were victims of the Red-White troop in the final match.

Malaysia was crushed in 1970 and 1976, while Denmark felt the spirit of the Indonesian badminton team in 1973 and 1979.

Three years later, again, Indonesia returned to the top party and fought China. However, the Indonesian team lost the fierce match which ended 4-5.

The Thomas Cup returned to Indonesia two years later. At that time, Indonesia settled its previous edition of revenge by defeating China.

However, on the next four occasions, Indonesia fasts the title. Two opportunities to enter the final in that period all ended as runners-up.

The Thomas Cup trophy then stayed for a long time in Indonesia after that gloomy period. Five consecutive editions in 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, and 2002, were successfully won by Indonesia.

The Red-White heyday period then faded for 17 years. In that long span of time, Indonesia's best achievement was twice as runner-up.

Indonesia's celebration is back in the 2021 edition. Garuda's troops returned to their final match and defeated China to end the title drought.

This year, Indonesia brought the 10 best men's players to hunt down the trophy again. PBSI is very optimistic that the existing squad will be able to meet the targets given.

The names brought this year are Fajar Alfian, Muhammad Rian Ardianto, Leo Rolly Carnando, Daniel Marthin, Bagas Maulana, Muhammad Shohibul Fikri, Jonatan Christie, Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo, and Alwi Farhan.