KUDUS – A thunderous roar filled the GOR Djarum Arena 2 in Kaliputu, Kudus, Central Java, on Sunday (Oct. 25, 2026). As the final shuttlecock landed to seal victory in the deciding game, raw emotion erupted across the green court. Scenes of relief dissolved into prayers of gratitude and warm embraces among the athletes, while in the corners, the exhausted gazes of the runners-up reflected the weight of the hard-fought match.
The electric atmosphere extended well beyond the jam-packed arena. Long queues of spectators snaked around the venue entrance before the matches began. To accommodate the overwhelming enthusiasm of local fans and badminton enthusiasts unable to secure tribune seats, organizers set up large screens at strategic locations around the tournament site for public viewing.
The final day of this international BWF World Tour Super 100 badminton tournament was more than just a trophy hunt. Beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, the Polytron Kudus Indonesia Masters 2026 captured compelling stories of perseverance, sportsmanship, and fan passion, while boosting the local economy and cementing the city’s status as a burgeoning sports tourism destination.
The final of the Polytron Kudus Indonesia Masters 2026 ended on a high note for the host nation. Indonesia displayed dominance, securing three out of the five championship titles available.
In the men's singles, young Indonesian prospect Richie Duta Richardo provided a thrilling upset. Facing a tough test against top seed Dong Tian Yao from China, Richie demonstrated incredible resilience in a grueling, emotion-filled rubber game. Despite trailing in the first game, Richie fought back to claim victory with a final score of 17-21, 21-12, 21-16.
The host's celebration was bolstered by the men's doubles success. The veteran-junior pairing of Muhammad Rian Ardianto and Daniel Edgar Marvino played a solid, tactical game to overcome South Korean representatives Jin Yong and Jo Song Hyun. Rian and Daniel secured a straight-set victory, 21-19 and 21-12, clinching the third title for Indonesia.
Meanwhile, China secured two additional titles. In the women’s singles, China’s Xu Wen Jing claimed victory after defeating Hong Kong’s Lo Sin Yan Happy in straight games, 21-12, 21-16.
The mixed doubles title went to the Chinese pair Li Hong Yi and Huang Ke Xin, who won a hard-fought three-game match against the Singapore-Indonesia combination of Hee Yong Kai Terry and Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja, finishing 15-21, 21-5, 21-10.
Behind the women’s doubles victory was the mental determination and tactical maturity displayed by the home pair, Isyana Syahira Meida and Rinjani Kwinnara Nastine. Competing as the second seeds, Isyana and Rinjani successfully defeated the top-seeded Thai pair, Hathaithip Mijad and Napapakorn Tungkasatan, in straight games, 21-15, 21-17.
This title marks a crucial achievement for Isyana/Rinjani at the BWF Super 100 level, further cementing their consistency before a home crowd. Reflecting on the composure required for a high-stakes final, Isyana Syahira Meida explained that their primary focus was to enjoy every rally rather than dwelling on the pressure of winning.
“We approached the game with confidence, aiming simply to enjoy the match. Since we were one step away from the title, we chose not to fixate on the championship. Instead, we focused on our strategy on the court,” Isyana said.
Rinjani Kwinnara Nastine added that the greatest challenge of competing at home was managing the weight of fan expectations so they would not become a distraction.
“Naturally, our opponents were highly motivated to beat us because we were playing on home soil, but we couldn't let that pressure work against us. We focused on staying mentally tough. They played well early in the first set, but we pulled away in the final stages as they appeared to lose rhythm. We capitalized on that momentum. In the second set, we took an early lead, and although they fought back, they eventually faltered, allowing us to seize the opportunity,” Rinjani explained.
Isyana attributed part of today's success to guidance from the sidelines. “Coach Nitia instructed us to play with conviction, to trust our own shots and be confident in every decision we made on court,” she added.
This title holds special significance as it is the second BWF Super 100 trophy of their young careers. “This is our second Super 100 win, following our victory in India last year. This win is deeply meaningful; it is a chance to secure a gold medal late in the year after earlier exits in previous tournaments. We wanted to prove that our hard work in training has not been in vain,” an emotional Isyana said.
The duo emphasized that their success was a collective effort, supported by their families and an behind-the-scenes team. Isyana shared how the presence of her parents, who traveled from Jakarta and Gresik, boosted their morale. “Everyone played a role. The fans here were vital, and having my parents present to cheer us on and offer their prayers was a huge lift. I also want to thank my partner, as well as our support team—including our nutritionists, administrative staff, physiotherapists, and support staff—who all contributed to this achievement.”
As athletes developed by PB Djarum, competing at the Djarum Arena in Kudus brought a sense of nostalgia for Isyana and Rinjani. Beyond their familiarity with the arena's atmosphere, Rinjani noted she greatly enjoyed the culinary variety in Kudus. Isyana highlighted the enthusiastic crowd and the implementation of instant review technology, which proved decisive in a critical moment. “The energy from the spectators and the venue was extraordinary. The level 100 challenge was particularly helpful, and it allowed us to secure a victory during the quarterfinals,” she said.
On the other side of the court, the defeat served as a valuable lesson, one that required grace in acceptance. Chinese men's singles player Dong Tian Yao had to settle for a runner-up finish after falling to Indonesia's Richie Duta Richardo in a grueling three-game match.
Accepting the final result, Dong Tian Yao praised the resilient defense and mental fortitude displayed by his Indonesian opponent. “I believe the opponent's defense was very strong; I lacked creative ways to penetrate it, especially given their fighting spirit on the court.
Ultimately, every point requires concentration. When I am on the court, if I lose a point, I don't dwell on it; I stay focused on the remainder of the match,” Dong Tian Yao said.
The Chinese athlete noted he learned a great deal from the Indonesian style of play, which effectively utilizes the front court. “What I have learned is that the opponent's play in the mid-court and front-court areas is quite good, as is their use of drive shots and doubles-style techniques.”
Despite competing as a visitor, Dong Tian Yao was impressed by the fervent supporters in Kudus, which brought the match to life. He noted that the city's hospitality and the arena's facilities made for a memorable experience.
“Spectator support certainly has a significant impact. When competing abroad like this, knowing fans have traveled from afar makes me want to perform even better so their efforts are worthwhile. In my opinion, the venue and the accommodations are excellent. I hope to have the opportunity to return here for competition in the future,” he said.
The appeal of the Polytron Kudus Indonesia Masters 2026 has resonated beyond the athletes, drawing thousands of badminton enthusiasts from across the region. The stands serve as a testament to the public's enthusiasm, with many traveling long distances to witness world-class badminton action firsthand.
Among the out-of-town spectators was Erwin Kurniawan, who brought his extended family along. Traveling by motorcycle all the way from Kendal Regency, Erwin seized the weekend to give his children and parents an international sporting experience.
“We came here from Kendal with the whole family, including my parents and my kids. The goal was to see the Indonesian athletes play live. This is my first time watching a Super 100 event here; previously, I only watched on television at home. Since Kudus is relatively close, we made the time to attend this international tournament,” Erwin said enthusiastically.
Erwin praised the GOR Djarum Arena facilities, noting they are very family-friendly, from the comfortable seating areas to the children's play area outside.
“The facilities are truly exceptional. The matches are also very exciting. There are public viewing areas both outside and inside, and we really enjoyed it. There is a large screen for public viewing, and I can take my children to play because there are facilities for them outside as well,” he added.
Although he did not stay overnight due to work on Monday morning, Erwin expressed satisfaction and cherished memories of the atmosphere in Kudus. “It was a very exciting moment, watching both Indonesian and international athletes in person. I hope to return in the future to watch Indonesian athletes compete again.”
The excitement surrounding this international tournament has provided a significant boost to the local economy. In the designated micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) zone near the arena, vendors reported a surge in visitors, with spectators flocking to sample traditional culinary offerings and local herbal products.
Rubiyanti, owner of Mampir Djamoe Herbal Food & Beverage, expressed her gratitude, noting she had not expected her instant herbal spice drinks to attract interest from both local fans and international athletes and officials alike.
"I am grateful to have participated in the area from the start, October 20 to October 25," Rubiyanti said. "We sell herbal products, including instant, ready-to-drink chilled spice beverages like temulawak, ginger-pineapple, turmeric-tamarind, rice-galangal, and muscle-pain relief concoctions. Initially, we prepared them fresh, but due to high demand and limited space, we switched to pre-bottled drinks."
Rubiyanti noted that her sales revenue spiked significantly as the tournament progressed toward the semifinals and finals.
"This has been an immense blessing, especially given the current economic climate, as our earnings exceeded all expectations," she said. "We were initially doubtful about selling herbal drinks at a sports event, but the response was incredible, with many repeat customers. Just last night, we brought in IDR 2 million, which is truly extraordinary for a small MSME like ours."
The flavors of these signature Muria spices have also appealed to international visitors. Rubiyanti noted that customers from Malaysia and India were particularly impressed after trying her products on-site, a highlight for the small-business owner.
“Many athletes and officials from abroad, including India and Malaysia, have become hooked on returning for more beras kencur and kunyit asam. They told us that while they initially expected these Kudus herbal drinks to be bitter, they found the taste surprisingly delicious. They said, 'Wow, amazing.' Our best-selling variants are beras kencur, kunyit asam, and pineapple ginger.”
Rubiyanti hopes prestigious sporting events will continue to be held regularly in Kudus, accompanied by ongoing support for local SMEs. “As a beneficiary of the Djarum Foundation, I hope for continued guidance regarding food hygiene and nutritional standards. This way, the traditional Kudus products we sell will have verified nutritional values, making them more trusted for consumption by visitors and international athletes alike,” she concluded.
As the crowd's cheers faded and the celebration stage was dismantled, what remained of the Polytron Kudus Indonesia Masters 2026 was more than just statistics or a list of winners on a scoreboard. The tournament left an enduring impression on all involved.
For the athletes, Kudus offered a competitive arena with a passionate fan atmosphere and world-class facilities that made for a memorable experience. For spectators like Erwin and his family, Kudus provided an engaging and family-friendly sports tourism getaway. For local entrepreneurs like Rubiyanti, the event served as proof that local products—even a bottle of traditional Muria herbal tonic—can transcend cultural boundaries and appeal to a global audience.
The successful execution of the Polytron Kudus Indonesia Masters 2026 demonstrates how the synergy of sports, world-class facilities, and the warmth of local tradition can integrate harmoniously. Kudus is no longer just known as the City of Kretek; it has cemented its position as a premier sports tourism destination to which visitors will always long to return. (JMY/YSR/mainkekudus)