972 Juniors Compete in Kudus
Nine hundred seventy-two junior badminton players from eight countries descended on Kudus, Central Java, to compete for titles at the 2026 Indonesia MilkLife Junior International Series, voi.id reported.
The tournament runs from November 10 through November 15, 2026, at the GOR Djarum Jati and Djarum Arena. It marks the return of the junior international series to Indonesia after a six-year hiatus.
Path to World Rankings
Competitors span four age divisions for both boys and girls: U-13, U-15, U-17, and U-19. Participants earn ranking points toward their Badminton World Federation standings.
“In addition, this tournament is also a path to bigger championships such as the Asian Junior Championships and the World Junior Championships because participants will get points to improve their position in the BWF ranking,” said Bambang Roedyanto, representing Badminton Asia and the organizing committee.
The field draws athletes from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Austria, France, and the United States. Organizers include MilkLife, the Badminton Association of Indonesia, and the BWF.
Evaluating Young Talent
Akhmad Khafidz Basri Yusuf, head of the Central Java provincial board for the Indonesian badminton federation, pointed to the mental and technical value of international matches.
“Each match should be a learning process that enrich experience and strengthens the determination to continue to progress,” he said.
Indonesian competitors spent weeks refining their physical conditioning and tactics to handle the cross-border challenge.
“I have prepared several things, including strengthening physical condition and perfecting technique, because my objective is to arrive on the podium at this championship,” said PB Djarum doubles player Dian Ramadhani Mukti.
Muhammad Vito Annafsa, a player from PB Jaya Raya based in Jombang, East Java, echoed that cautious approach.
“I cannot take lightly each opponent that I will encounter,” Vito said. “So, I consider that the competition will be quite tight. Everything is difficult and competitive, but I must stay focused because my objective is the title.”
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