KUDUS – The roaring crowd in the arena has served as a powerful motivator for players competing in the Polytron Kudus Indonesia Masters 2026. Amidst intense competition, every athlete has faced unique challenges, from managing pre-match nerves and navigating grueling contests to processing the disappointment of an early exit.
For many, this tournament marks their debut in Kudus. The spectator support, top-tier facilities, and the warmth of the local community have left a lasting impression, enhancing their pursuit of athletic excellence.
Beyond the court, athletes have taken the opportunity to explore other facets of Kudus, sampling local cuisine and engaging with residents. These off-court experiences have become an integral part of the narrative surrounding this international badminton event.
The electric atmosphere created by the crowd has been a highlight for Hong Kong women’s singles player Lo Sin Yan Happy. Visiting Kudus for the first time, she was immediately struck by the local passion for badminton.
The support from the stands provided an extra boost, helping her manage pressure and maintain focus throughout her match.
“The crowd is incredible. I love their cheering because it really energizes me during my matches,” she said.
Happy admitted to feeling nervous during the opening game, but guidance from her coach helped her regain her focus and adjust her tactical approach.
That effort paid off in her round-of-32 match against Japan's Asuka Takahashi on Wednesday (Oct. 21, 2026). Happy secured a straight-set victory, winning 21-19, 21-7 in 32 minutes.
According to the BWF rankings released on Oct. 20, 2026, Happy holds the 55th position globally with 30,786 points, with a career-high ranking of 41st.
Beyond the competition, Happy praised the tournament facilities, the pleasant climate, and the hospitality of the people of Kudus, all of which contributed to a positive experience during her first visit to the city.
For Bagas Maulana, every match is a milestone in a long journey that began in his youth. The badminton player from Cilacap, Central Java, overcame numerous hurdles before reaching the international level.
He recalled long commutes to training sessions, often in heavy rain. The path was never easy, and at one point, external criticism led him to consider quitting badminton to pursue other paths, including joining the military.
Ultimately, Bagas chose to persevere. His desire to make his parents proud serves as a primary motivation. He aims to prove that a journey started from scratch can yield success, serving as a way to repay his family's support.
He brought that same spirit to the Polytron Kudus Indonesia Masters 2026. Partnering with Apriyani Rahayu in the mixed doubles, Bagas sought to deliver his best performance, though their run ended in the round of 16.
The duo retired from their match against Thailand's Phuwanat Horbanluekit and Fungfa Korpthammakit following an injury to Apriyani.
Bagas noted that their performance had been solid throughout the first two games. Despite receiving a yellow card for a delay in play, he stated the incident did not significantly impact his focus.
Regardless of the result, Bagas expressed his appreciation for the facilities provided during the tournament in Kudus.
"The facilities are excellent. It is on par with the Indonesia Masters level," he said.
His first competitive experience in Kudus adds another chapter to his career as he continues to strive for success and bring honor to his family.
Amidst the intense competition of the Polytron Kudus Indonesia Masters 2026, Rasindu Hendahewa has taken time to enjoy local culinary offerings. The Sri Lankan men's singles shuttler has sampled soto Kudus and fried duck, though he remains eager to try one other signature dish: buffalo satay.
Kudus is not entirely foreign to Rasindu, who previously visited the city for a junior badminton tournament. During this second visit, he once again embraced the tournament's atmosphere, which he found enjoyable, particularly due to the spectators' enthusiasm from the very first day.
“The arena is excellent. The crowd was lively, even from day one. That atmosphere makes the matches feel great,” he said.
Rasindu entered the tournament ranked 175th globally in men’s singles as of the BWF list on October 20, 2026, with 11,170 points. His career-high ranking is 152nd.
His campaign began with a dramatic victory over Malaysia's Tan Jia Jie in the round of 64 on Tuesday (Oct. 20, 2026). Rasindu battled for one hour and 10 minutes before securing a three-game win, 21-15, 18-21, 23-21.
However, his run ended in the round of 32 on Wednesday (Oct. 21, 2026). He was defeated by South Korea's Jeon Hyeok Jin, 22-24, 10-21, in a match lasting 47 minutes.
Outside the court, Rasindu used his spare time to explore Kudus's culinary scene. One of his stops was Soto Djatmi, where he enjoyed the city’s signature soup. Having already tried fried duck, he hopes for a chance to taste buffalo satay before leaving.
This culinary experience rounded out his second visit to Kudus, providing an opportunity to engage with the city beyond the tournament.
Meanwhile, Lo Sin Yan Happy has yet to sample Indonesian cuisine. Throughout the tournament, she has stuck to her usual diet and plans to try local dishes only after her matches conclude.
Bagas Maulana also shared his experiences. While staying at Hotel Gripta during the tournament, he managed to enjoy fried chicken at Warung Makan Hj. Kasmini, as well as local specialties garang asem and lentog, despite a demanding training and match schedule.
When asked to describe Kudus in three words, Bagas replied, “Exciting, solid, extraordinary.”
Competing in a new city requires adjustment, especially for international athletes. Beyond match preparation, they must navigate daily needs, from finding food to communicating with locals.
This is where the role of a liaison officer (LO) proves vital. Christopher Abraham is one of the staff members helping athletes navigate their activities while in Kudus.
“As LOs, we strive to ensure the athletes feel comfortable during their stay. We hope this allows them to focus and deliver their best performance in the matches,” he explained.
In his daily routine, Abraham frequently navigates situations requiring swift, practical solutions. For instance, when helping athletes order local Indonesian food via the Grab app, language barriers often require him to translate communications with drivers to ensure orders are placed correctly.
Food choices occasionally require additional context. Abraham once assisted athletes interested in trying local dishes like tahu tek or tahu oser. Before they sampled the food, he cautioned them about the presence of peanuts, advising caution for those with allergies or potential digestive sensitivities.
Despite the warnings, curiosity often prompted the athletes to try the dishes anyway.
Abraham’s experience extends beyond technical support. He has also witnessed how the people of Kudus welcome the badminton players. Many fans approach athletes for photos, fostering warm interactions outside the competition arena.
For Abraham, such assistance is vital in helping athletes adapt to a new environment. Simple factors, such as navigating food choices or overcoming language hurdles, play a key role in their overall comfort during the tournament.
Every athlete arrives at the Polytron Kudus Indonesia Masters 2026 with their own goals and unique journeys. However, the match results are not the only lasting memories they take away from Kudus.
The enthusiasm of the crowd, the quality of the competition facilities, the opportunity to enjoy local cuisine, and interactions with the community all contribute to the athletes' experience. For first-time visitors, the tournament offers a window into Kudus, while returning players gain new experiences that round out their previous impressions.
The narrative illustrates how hosting an international tournament provides an opportunity for Kudus to showcase its city's potential. The combination of sports facilities, culinary richness, and the hospitality of the local community serves as a key draw in advancing Kudus as a sports tourism destination. (OEB/YSR/mainkekudus)
