Thomas Cup: Hendra, Ahsan confident Indonesia can end title drought

AARHUS (Denmark), Oct 8  -- World number two men’s doubles pair Hendra Setiawan-Mohamad Ahsan believe that Indonesia can end their almost two decades of title drought in the Thomas Cup by lifting the trophy here this time.

Ahead of their opening Group A match against Algeria at 7 pm tomorrow (1 am Sunday Malaysian time), skipper Hendra, 37, said all the Indonesian shuttlers were confident of wresting back the prestigious trophy.

“All the players have the confidence and desire to win the Thomas Cup this year. But we must focus on one match at a time because group matches are not to be underestimated.

“What’s important is that all the players are ready to fight,” said the most senior shuttler in the Indonesian squad, who nearly emerged as champions before losing in the finals in the 2010 and 2016 editions, after official training at the Ceres Arena here today. 

Although they have won the men’s team tournament 13 times, the most ever by any nation, the last time Indonesia held the trophy aloft was in the 2002 edition in Guangzhou, China. 

On a personal note, Hendra has won numerous accolades, including winning the 2008 Beijing Olympic gold medal, emerging world champion four times (2007, 2013, 2015 dan 2019) as well as bagging two Asian Games gold medals (2010 and 2014) and two All England titles (2014 and 2019) but the Thomas Cup has always eluded him.

Meanwhile, Ahsan is optimistic that world number one pair Marcus Fernaldi Gideon-Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo, who are known as ‘Minions’, will regain their form in the Thomas Cup this time.

“Of course, we have to take on the role of first doubles here, but I believe the ‘Minions’ will come back stronger. Hopefully, we will emerge champions,” he said.

The other teams in Group A are Thailand and Chinese Taipei. 

-- BERNAMA