Indonesian men's doubles pair Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto expressed their readiness to compete freely and at their best at the 2024 All England Open tournament taking place at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham, England, from March 12 to 17.
Fajar/Rian, the reigning champions of the All England Open 2023, emphasized the importance of maintaining focus to achieve their goals at the Olympic qualification points-gathering tournament for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
"There is no excessive pressure as defending champions. We want to focus on giving our all in every match," said Fajar, quoted from the official statement of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) on Tuesday.
The pair, affectionately known as FajRi, has undergone a series of physical, technical, and mental training sessions with the team, coaches, and other Indonesian representatives.
The different atmosphere in the arena is both familiar and new for Fajar/Rian. This edition of the All England Open features courts carpeted in gray.
"The magic and atmosphere of the All England are indeed different. When we tried the court earlier, it felt different. Moreover, with the gray carpet, it's a bit strange for the first time, perhaps because we're not yet accustomed," said Fajar.
On the other hand, the 2024 All England Open marks the 125th edition of the world's oldest badminton tournament. Its execution coincides with the first week of the month of Ramadan, which begins today for Muslims.
"It's a risk for us athletes to be away from home and family during Ramadan," said Fajar. "Although it's saddening, it must be endured, especially since this duty is to honor Indonesia," he added.
In addition to Fajar/Rian, Indonesia is fielding three other pairs in the men's doubles sector. They include the 2022 All England champions Bagas Maulana/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri, the 2019 All England champions Hendra Setiawan/Mohammad Ahsan, and the defending champions of the Indonesia Masters Leo Rolly Carnando/Daniel Marthin.
Furthermore, in the men's and women's singles sectors, Indonesia is represented by Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, Jonatan Christie, Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo, and Gregoria Mariska Tunjung.
Meanwhile, in the women's doubles and mixed doubles sectors, there are Apriyani Rahayu/Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti, Rehan Naufal Kusharjanto/Lisa Ayu Kusumawati, and Dejan Ferdinansyah/Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja.