Muhammad Ahsan (left) - Hendra Setiawan (Courtesy of PBSI)

Indonesian badminton is taking the challenges of 2018 seriously as it continues to push for more titles and victories, especially in the men’s doubles, by reuniting the former deadly duo, Muhammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan.

The country was lucky to have world number one pair Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo in 2017 as the duo created history by winning seven Superseries titles in a year.

The 2017 All England Open title holders also received Male Players of the Year from the Badminton World Federation for their extraordinary performance throughout the year.

However, Herry Iman Pierngadi, the national coach for the men’s doubles, does not think that having Marcus and Kevin will be enough ahead of the busy 2018. In the year where Indonesia hosts the Asian Games in August, badminton will also have a special schedule of participating in the Thomas Cup men’s team tournament in Bangkok in May.

Herry thought bringing back Hendra to the national camp and reuniting him with old partner Ahsan would give Indonesia a big shot at the cup.

“At first, the idea of calling Hendra back in [to the national camp] was a short-term plan for the Thomas Cup agenda. We need a player with a solid character in such team tournaments.

“When I discussed it with my other players, they wanted Hendra back. He still showed some performances [in international tournaments] although he wasn’t in the camp,” said Herry.

Hendra exited the national camp in early 2017 to go pro. In his full professional career, Hendra partnered with Malaysia’s Tan Boon Heong, and the pair finished as runner-ups in the 2017 Australian Open Superseries tourney.

Hendra and Ahsan stole the limelight of world badminton in 2013 when the pair managed to claim the number-one spot.

The duo, who did not need much time to sync, won the World Championships men’s doubles title in 2013 and 2015.

On the BWF Superseries calendar, Hendra and Ahsan have a collection of nine titles, including the 2015 BWF Superseries Finals, the 2014 All England Open and the 2013 Indonesian Open.

By returning to Hendra, Ahsan has automatically parted ways with Rian Agung Saputro.

“We already have the strong pair [Kevin and Marcus], but Ahsan and Rian were no longer on top of their game,” said Herry. Ahsan and Rian were set as the second-best pair after Marcus and Kevin. “[Ahsan and Rian] managed to nail the silver medal in this year’s World Championship, but that was it.”

Next, Rian will be partnered with Angga Pratama, whose performance has declined while partnering with Ricky Karanda Suwardi. Meanwhile, Ricky is set to play with Debby Susanto, who has parted ways with Praveen Jordan, in the mixed doubles.

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