Hendra’s return adds depth to Indonesia team

ALOR SETAR: Indonesia have turned to doubles specialist Hendra Setiawan again to provide the much-needed leadership for their youthful squad.

The 33-year-old Hendra, a three-time world champion and Beijing Olympic gold medallist, left the Indonesian set-up last year.

He formed a partnership with Malaysia’s former world No. 1 Tan Boon Heong and were ranked No. 23 in the world.

Hendra has set his sights on the Thomas Cup Finals in May and the Asian Games in August in Indonesia.

“I returned to the national team last month at the urging of PBSI ( All- Indonesia Badminton Association),” said Hendra.

“They wanted me to add depth to the team for the Thomas Cup and the Asian Games. My role is mostly to show some leadership and guide the younger players with my experience.

“Indonesia is quite strong in the doubles as we have world No. 1 Marcus Fernaldi Gideon-Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo.

“But apart from them, the other pairs are not established yet, so that’s where I come in.

“I’m also excited to partner (Mohd) Ahsan again. We played in one competition this year (Indian Open).

“We are still trying out various combinations and we haven’t really settled on a permanent partnership.”

Individual goals aside, the soft-spoken Hendra is eyeing glory at the Thomas Cup – the one title that has eluded his trophy-laden cabinet.

“I want to win the Thomas Cup. I’ve come close but never won it.

“I feel that this year we have a very good chance,” said Hendra, who was part of the Indonesian team that finished runners-up in 2010 and 2016.

Indonesia certainly showed their strength in the men’s competition after thrashing Japan 3-0 to reach the semi-finals of the Asia Team Championships yesterday.