Indonesian Women's Doubles Advance to Asian Games Semifinals; Kusuma Wardani's Daughter Secures Crucial Victory

Indonesia's women's doubles team has advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Putri, daughter of Kusuma Wardani, secured a dramatic victory in the first quarterfinal match against Taiwan on Tuesday, paving the way for the team's progression. Putri had to fight through three games to defeat Lin Hsiang-Ti of Taiwan with a score of 21-16, 20-22, 21-15 at the Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium in Japan. This crucial win put Indonesia ahead 1-0 in the tie. "There was a little pressure that I felt when I appeared in the opening match. But I tried to play nothing to lose and enjoy it," Putri stated in a release from PBSI. The quarterfinal match is pivotal, as the winner guarantees a semifinal ticket and at least a bronze medal. After winning the first game 21-16, Putri had an opportunity to close out the match in two games but failed to capitalize on crucial points in the second game. She admitted to playing too hastily in the final two points during the tie-break, allowing Lin to take the second game 22-20 and force a deciding third game. "Actually, there was a chance to win in the second game, but I was too hasty in the last two points during the setting match. Lin Hsiang-Ti also played quite tight and very safe today," Putri commented. The 2025 World Championships bronze medalist regained control in the third game, ultimately winning 21-15 to secure the match. Putri expressed hope that her victory would boost the confidence of the entire Indonesian team. "It's nice to be able to contribute points, an important victory because it can add confidence for me and the team," she said. The first point was followed by the pair of Rachel Allessya Rose/Febi Setianingrum facing Hsieh Pei Shan/Lin Jhih Yun in the second match. Thalita Ramadhani Wiryawan was scheduled to face Chiu Pin-Chian in the second singles, with Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma/Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti and Mutiara Ayu Puspitasari prepared for subsequent matches if needed.