PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, or BNI, is once again supporting Indonesia's badminton efforts on the international stage, following the selection of 20 badminton players to represent the nation at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Of the 20 players selected by the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PP PBSI), 13 will be making their Asian Games debut. They include Alwi Farhan, Moh Zaki Ubaidillah, Muhammad Shohibul Fikri, Nikolaus Joaquin, Mutiara Ayu Puspitasari, Rachel Allessya Rose, and Nita Violina Marwah.
Meanwhile, seven other players have prior experience competing in the Asian Games: Jonatan Christie, Fajar Alfian, Leo Rolly Carnando, Daniel Marthin, Putri Kusuma Wardani, Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma, and Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti.
BNI Corporate Secretary Okki Rushartomo stated that the mix of experienced players and debutants reflects the ongoing process of generational renewal in Indonesian badminton. The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games offer an opportunity for the players to test their skills while gaining experience at the international level.
"BNI hopes that all athletes representing Indonesia will deliver their best performance. The presence of both experienced players and debutants demonstrates that the process of generational renewal is ongoing and plays a vital role in sustaining Indonesia's badminton achievements," said Okki in a written statement.
The Asian Games 2026 also features a new combination in the mixed doubles event. Nikolaus Joaquin and Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti are scheduled to compete as a pair, having previously played with different partners.
According to Okki, the inclusion of a mix of new players offers an opportunity to broaden competitive experience while providing Indonesia with additional options for facing competition at the Asian level.
"Above all, we hope the Indonesian team can perform at their best in the team events, for both men and women. Following that, we also hope the athletes can deliver their best performances in the individual events," said Okki.
The badminton team events at the Asian Games 2026 are scheduled to take place from September 20 to 24, 2026, followed by the individual events from September 25 to 29, 2026.
Support for the athletes' struggle also coincides with the momentum of National Sports Day (Haornas) which is celebrated every September 9. For BNI, Haornas is a reminder of the importance of continuous support for athlete development and national sports development.
BNI believes that the athletes' efforts at the Asian Games 2026 can inspire the younger generation to continue achieving excellence while representing Indonesia on the Asian and global stages.