KUDUS – Pride and excitement filled the faces of young athletes as they received their trophies during the MilkLife Superliga Junior 2026 at GOR Djarum, Jati, Kudus, on Sunday (Nov. 8, 2026). More than just a recognition of their match results, the awards were presented by legendary Indonesian badminton stars whose storied careers have long inspired these young competitors.
Icons such as Tontowi Ahmad, Liliyana Natsir, Sigit Budiarto, Maria Kristin Yulianti, Hariyanto Arbi, Yuni Kartika, Lim Swie King, and Susi Susanti lent their names to the junior competition trophies. Their presence bridged two generations of badminton, connecting established champions with the rising stars following in their footsteps.
For the junior athletes, receiving awards directly from figures etched in badminton history offered a unique experience. Beyond the pursuit of titles, the event emphasized the struggle of managing match pressure, accepting results, and learning from those who came before.
Lau Jay Earl of Bukit Jalil Sports School (SSBJ), Malaysia, felt the intensity of the competition. Alongside her team, she successfully navigated early rounds to reach the U-15 girls' team final.
SSBJ secured its spot in the championship match with a 3-0 semifinal victory over PB Champion Klaten. However, their run ended against PB Djarum in the final, where the Malaysian side fell 0-3 to finish as runners-up.
“The path to the final was quite challenging. We faced difficult matches, but every player gave their best to make it here,” said Lau.
Representing Malaysia in the tournament brought additional pressure, serving as a driving force for the players to push through each match.
“The pressure in the semifinals was high because we wanted to prove that a Malaysian team could reach the final. That served as our motivation to keep fighting,” she added.
Although she did not take home the title, the experience of reaching the final provided valuable lessons for Lau. She acknowledged that there are areas for improvement to perform better in future competitions.
“I want to improve my attacking skills and stamina. I have to keep training to play better,” she said.
Ghalib Ahnaf Dira, an athlete from Jaya Raya Jakarta, also experienced the unique atmosphere of the competition. The MilkLife Superliga Junior 2026 marked his first championship in a team-based format.
For Ghalib, competing in a team event presented a different challenge compared to the individual matches he is accustomed to. The boisterous crowd support initially made it difficult for him to adjust, particularly in maintaining focus amidst the match atmosphere.
"The pressure was quite significant at first because of the lively environment. However, the coach kept providing motivation and explaining the strengths and weaknesses of the opponents," he said.
The experience was even more memorable as Ghalib received an award directly from a badminton legend. He expressed pride in meeting figures whom he had previously only known through their storied achievements.
"It feels exciting and honorable to receive an award directly from a badminton legend. It has been one of the most memorable experiences while participating in this tournament," he remarked.
Among the legends present for the awards ceremony was Hariyanto Arbi, whose name has been immortalized as the trophy for the boys' U-17 team category.
He expressed pride in having his name associated with a championship for young athletes. He hopes that competitions such as the MilkLife Superliga Junior will serve as a breeding ground for players capable of reaching even greater heights.
"I feel honored to have my name used for the trophy in this championship. My hope is that players emerge from competitions like this who can eventually surpass my own achievements," Hariyanto said.
According to him, team matches provide important lessons for the mental development of athletes. Players are not only responsible for their individual performance but must also consider the team's needs.
When a player loses, the team's struggle is not necessarily over; other teammates still have the opportunity to contribute. This situation requires every player to maintain self-confidence while simultaneously supporting the rest of the team.
"Team competitions teach solidarity and self-confidence. Even when trailing, a player must keep fighting because there is still a responsibility toward the team," he explained.
Hariyanto also emphasized that both victory and defeat must be approached with perspective. Athletes who succeed should avoid complacency, while those who suffer defeat should use the match results as a basis for improvement.
“Winners should not get carried away, while those who lose must train even harder. Being a champion is not just about winning; it is about how one handles both victory and defeat,” he said.
A similar message regarding the importance of the process was shared by Yuni Kartika. The Indonesian badminton legend, whose name is honored as the trophy for the U-17 girls' team category, views junior competitions as a vital part of an athlete's development.
Watching the young players compete in Kudus reminded her of her own days in the junior ranks. Following that foundation, Yuni went on to become a world junior champion, represent Indonesia in the Asian Games, and compete in the Uber Cup.
This experience reinforced her understanding that success is not achieved overnight. Talent must be paired with character, discipline, and persistent training.
“Reaching the pinnacle of achievement requires a long process, often involving about a decade of disciplined effort. Talent is not the sole factor, as character and discipline are equally critical,” she explained.
She advised players not to stop growing once a tournament ends. Those who reach the podium must return to training, while those who were unsuccessful should identify and address their weaknesses.
“After stepping on the podium, players must restart the process. Likewise, those who lost should not feel it is the end. Study your shortcomings and never give up,” she added.
From the club management perspective, PB Djarum Team Manager Fung Permadi views the MilkLife Superliga Junior as a learning ground for both athletes and coaches. The participation of teams from various regions and countries allows each squad to gauge their performance level.
According to him, this competition provides insights into the current state of youth badminton. The U-17 and U-19 categories are particularly noteworthy, as athlete development can fluctuate significantly from year to year.
"With teams from different countries participating, we can observe and compare the strengths of each. From there, we can gauge the development of our athletes," Fung said.
Beyond serving as a gauge for skill, the matches also provide coaches with material for evaluation. Each athlete faces unique technical challenges, necessitating personalized training adjustments.
The implementation of a 15-point rally scoring system in this championship also forces players to be more precise. The faster match pace requires athletes to reduce unforced errors and improve their play quality, particularly in front-court or net exchanges.
"Every athlete has different issues. Coaches must discuss and evaluate each player's shortcomings, then determine what needs to be improved in training," Fung said.
These evaluation results are integral to the post-competition development process. Consequently, the experience of facing opponents from various clubs and nations serves as more than just a match record; it becomes essential input for shaping the athlete's future progression.
Competition at GOR Djarum Jati resulted in eight champions across boys' and girls' team categories for U-13, U-15, U-17, and U-19 divisions.
In the U-13 category, Jaya Raya Solo claimed the boys' team title after a 3-2 victory over Jaya Raya Satria. Meanwhile, Jaya Raya Satria secured the girls' team title with a 3-0 win over Taqi Arena.
In the U-15 group, Jaya Raya Jakarta secured the boys' team title following a 3-1 victory over Mutiara Cardinal Bandung. The girls' team title was won by PB Djarum, which defeated Bukit Jalil Sports School Malaysia 3-0.
PB Djarum continued its dominance in the U-17 category. The men's team defeated Jaya Raya Jakarta 3-1, while the Djarum A women's squad claimed the title after a 3-0 victory over Mutiara Cardinal Bandung.
In the U-19 division, PB Djarum also swept both categories. The men's team beat Jaya Raya Jakarta 3-1, while the women's team defeated C.Y. Foundation Badminton of Chinese Taipei 3-0.
The awarding of eight titles concluded the 2026 MilkLife Superliga Junior. Beyond the quest for championships, the tournament provided young athletes with critical experience in gauging their skills, managing pressure, and learning through high-level competition.
Interactions with badminton legends served as a vital part of this developmental experience. Through insights on mindset, discipline, and the long-term dedication required for success, these young players gained a better understanding of the path toward professional growth.
While the tournament has ended and trophies have been awarded, the athletes’ journeys continue. Their experience in Kudus serves as a foundation for their future training and preparation for upcoming competitions. (OEB/YSR/mainkekudus)
