Jonathan Christie to Lead Indonesian Men’s Team in Thomas Cup 2024 as Hendra Setiawan and Mohammad Ahsan Step Aside

Jakarta –

Men’s badminton player Jonathan Christie ready to fulfill duties as one of the “leaders” of several youths in Thomas Cup 2024 after Hendra Setiawan and Mohammad Ahsan were absent.

Previously, the men’s doubles pair Hendra Setiawan / Mohammad Ahsan could be regularly included in the Indonesian men’s team team to participate in the men’s team tournament every two years.

Since the 2006 Thomas Cup, Hendra’s name has been in the Indonesian squad. Meanwhile, Mohammad Ahsan joined the team in 2010. Until the Thomas Cup 2022, the name Na Daddies remained a regular member of the main team. This cannot be separated from their experience, performance and leadership.

In fact, Hendra is often used as a team captain. Hendra, who is Ahsan’s partner, was even in this role when the Indonesian team won the 2020 Thomas Cup held in Denmark, in October 2021.

However, this year’s Thomas Cup is different. PBSI decided not to re-enter the names of Hendra and Ahsan, who also decided not to play in the 2024 team tournament as they wanted to give other players a chance.

In response to this, Jonathan Christie he admitted that he was ready to pass on the baton from his old people. According to him, this year is the time for him and his colleagues to lead the team Thomas Cup 2024.

“Yes, it is important to have seniors in a team, especially in a team competition as big as the Thomas Cup. But sooner or later the time will come,” Jonatan told reporters at the PBSI National Training Center , Cipayung.

“For now, Fajar/Rian, me, Ginting (Anthony Sinisuka) have to lead friends and build team chemistry and team spirit. Yes, I think it’s time for us to lead friends,” he said.

Thomas’ own Indonesia team is in Group C with India, Thailand and England. Jonathan said that he and the team would do their best to win Thomas Cup 2024.

“We are one of the teams that got a tough group because it is full of Thailand, India and England. But India is tougher because they have good singles and doubles as well, so it won’t be easy against them, Thailand and England too”, said the All England champion. and the 2024 Asia Badminton Championship.

“Yes, try as hard as you can. Thank God we can win (against India) and move on to the next round,” said Jonathan Christie.

(mcy/krs)