Indonesia Wins Thomas Cup after 19 Years

Jakarta. Indonesia’s long wait for another trophy in the men’s team badminton championship Thomas Cup was over with a 3-0 victory over China on Sunday.
Jonatan Christie’s rubber-game win over Li Shi Feng ensures that the trophy returns to Indonesia without the need to play the fourth and fifth matches and marks the return of the country’s domination in the biennial tournament.
Since Thomas Cup was first held in 1949, Indonesia has won 14 times, more than any other country. After winning the 2002 edition, Indonesia has been in the finals three times but failed in 2010 and 2016.
China is trailing behind with 10 trophies and it has equaled Indonesia’s record of five consecutive wins between 2004 and 2012.
They came to Sunday’s final in Aarhus, Denmark having recently won the two other major team titles -- the Sudirman Cup and the Uber Cup
But Indonesia made a comfortable start at Ceres Arena with Anthony Sinisuka Ginting beating Lu Guang Zu 18-21, 21-14, and 21-16 in the opening match.
Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto who were surprisingly promoted to Indonesia’s first doubles paved the way for the victory with a 21-12 and 21-19 win over He Ji Ting and Zhou Hao Dong.
“The Thomas Cup returns to Indonesia after a 19-year wait," President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo wrote on his Instagram account as he congratulated players and coaches.
"The anxiety in watching the nail-biting 2020 Thomas Cup final was soon taken over by the overwhelming feelings of joy when Jonatan Christie jumped, raised his fist into the air, and screamed in delight at the end of his third game. Indonesia is the champion!" he said.
Jonatan said helping the team win the Thomas Cup puts him on the top of his career.
“This is my biggest achievement, bigger than my Asian Games gold,” he told Badminton World Federation.
However, the celebration on stage was somewhat incomplete as there was no hoisting of the red and white flag despite the national anthem being played.
That’s because Indonesia is sanctioned by the World Anti-Doping Agency for being non-compliant with the anti-doping code. According to the WADA website, the non-compliance “is a result of non-conformities in implementing an effective testing program” for 2020 and 2021.
The Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) flag was raised at Ceres Arena in place for the national flag during the trophy presentation.
The news drew outrage at home, including from badminton legend Taufik Hidayat who went to Instagram to lash out at the Indonesian Anti-Doping Agency and sports officials.
“What have you done all this time? You are an embarrassment to Indonesia,” he wrote.
“Never expect to host the Olympics or the World Cup if you can’t settle such a trivial issue.”
Related Articles
Antonsen Clinches First Indonesia Open Title as European Players Make History in Jakarta
Indonesia’s wait for a home champion continues, as the country ends another edition of the Indonesia Open without a trophy in four years.Indonesian Badminton Icon Tan Joe Hok Passes Away at 87
Tan made history in 1959 when he won the All England title after defeating fellow Indonesian Ferry Sonneville in the final.Leo and Bagas Reach All England Men’s Doubles Final After Defeating Compatriots
The pair was formed following their respective failures to qualify for the Paris Olympics last year with their previous partners.Indonesian Team Departs for All England Tournament as Putri Seeks Exciting Debut
The Indonesian squad will be without Anthony Ginting, who reached an all-Indonesian final against Jonatan Christie last year.2025 Indonesia Masters Ends with No Indonesian Winner
Indonesia was pinning their hopes on Jonatan Christie and Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto at the 2025 Indonesia Masters finals.‘I’m Just A Fighter’: Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn Wins 2025 Indonesia Masters
Kunlavut Vitidsarn beats Jonatan Christie 18-21, 21-17, 21-18 at the me2025 Indonesia Masters men's singles final match.The Latest
CPO Tanker Explosion at Batam Shipyard Kills 4, Injures 5
A CPO tanker exploded during repairs at a Batam shipyard, killing four workers and injuring five. Police are investigating the cause.Bezos’ Lavish Venice Wedding Sparks Protests Over Inequality
Jeff Bezos’ Venice wedding sparks protests by locals and activists who say it highlights inequality and tourism-driven displacement.Gov’t Investigates Foreign Site Over Anambas Island Sale
Indonesia investigates a foreign website that listed four Anambas islands for sale, raising alarm over sovereignty and legal violations.Prabowo Already Has His US Envoy Candidate, Aide Claims
Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, a close aide to Prabowo Subianto, refuses to reveal the name of the US envoy candidate.Fatal Accidents Reveal the Perils Behind Mount Rinjani’s Beauty
A Brazilian climber is the latest victim on Mount Rinjani, as a string of fatal falls reminds tourists of the mountain’s hidden dangers.Most Popular
