Indonesian badminton observer Mohamad Kusnaeni said the Indonesian men's badminton team's failure in the 2026 Thomas Cup in Denmark must be taken seriously by the Central Board of the Indonesian Badminton Association.
"This failure must be taken seriously because it indicates a shift in the world badminton power map," said Mohamad Kusnaeni when confirmed.
The Indonesian men's team was forced to accept the bitter reality of being eliminated in the group stage of the 2026 Thomas Cup after losing 1-4 to France in the decisive match of Group D at the Horsens Forum, Denmark.
Kusnaeni considers the Red and White team's failure to advance beyond the group stage a tragedy, as it marks the first time in Indonesia's history at the Thomas Cup. Indonesia holds 14 Thomas Cup titles and has reached the final in each of the last three editions.
"In fact, the Indonesian Thomas Cup team came to Denmark with the strongest squad. Almost all of our best players in both singles and doubles are traveling," he said.
He said that, strategically, there was nothing wrong with the lineup. The men's doubles combination chosen was neither unusual nor surprising.
