Indonesia Ends 28-Year Drought with Badminton Gold at 2026 Asian Games

Indonesia secured its first gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games after a dramatic 3–2 victory over China in the men's team badminton final on September 24 at Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium in Aichi, Japan. The win marked the end of a 28-year wait for Indonesia's first Asian Games badminton gold in the men's team category, with the last victory coming in 1998.

Indonesia faced an early deficit after losing the first two matches. Jonatan Christie fell to Shi Yu Qi 13–21, 18–21, followed by the doubles pair Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri losing to Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang 20–22, 21–19, 14–21. The team trailed 0–2 with China appearing on the brink of victory.

The momentum shifted dramatically with consecutive victories. Alwi Farhan defeated Li Shi Feng 23–21, 15–21, 21–16 in the third match, then Leo Rolly Carnando and Daniel Marthin beat He Ji Ting and Liu Yi 23–21, 21–10 to level the score at 2–2. The decisive fifth match saw 19-year-old Moh Zaki Ubaidillah overcome Weng Hongyang 23–21, 21–13, securing the gold and triggering celebrations among the Indonesian team.

The victory represents Indonesia's first gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games and provides a significant boost after the nation failed to win any gold in badminton at the 2022 Asian Games. This gold brought Indonesia's total to one gold, four silver, and 15 bronze medals at the Aichi-Nagoya Games. The men's team title is Indonesia's sixth in the history of Asian Games badminton team competition, positioning the nation second all-time behind China's seven titles.