PETALING JAYA: Indonesia led by captain Fajar Alfian (pic) have also left early to Denmark like Malaysia to underline their intent to reclaim the Thomas Cup title.
The 14-time Thomas Cup champions, who suffered heartbreak after back-to-back final defeats in the last two editions, are leaving no stones unturned their preparation for the world team event in Horsens from April 24-May 3.
Indonesia departed for Horsens early on Thursday to undergo a centralised training camp – just two days after Malaysia, led by Aaron Chia, flew to Herning to acclimatise with the weather there.
Fajar will lead the Thomas Cup squad, while Puteri Kusuma has been named as the Uber Cup captain.
The squad also feature doubles legend Hendra Setiawan in a coaching role, where he will mentor world No. 9 men’s doubles pair, Sabar Karyaman-Reza Pahlevi.
“I didn’t really expect it, but since the call has come, I have to be ready. This is also a valuable experience for me as a coach,” said Hendra.
“It may actually be more challenging. As a coach, you have to decide who plays against whom.
“I have already discussed with coach Antonius Budi about mapping out the line-up.
“As a player, you just have to be ready to play when called upon,” said Hendra.
He had featured in eight editions of the Thomas Cup and lifted the trophy as a player once in 2020 in Aarhus.
Indonesia have named singles players Jonatan Christie, Alwi Farhan, Anthony Ginting and Zaki Ubaidillah while their doubles strength is bolstered by the inclusion of Raymond Indra and Nikolaus Joaquin, as well as Shohibul Fikri, who partners Fajar.
Two years ago in Chengdu, Indonesia, were denied a record-extending 15th title after going down 3-1 to China in the final.
The disappointment was even greater in the 2022 edition in Bangkok, where they suffered a shock 3-0 defeat to India, who claimed their first-ever Thomas Cup crown.
Ironically, Indonesia last lifted their 14th title in 2020 in Aarhus, and they now return to Denmark hoping to make amends for their recent near misses.