Ahsan / Hendra Speaks about Year 2023: 'We'll Still Play Badminton Even though We're Getting Older'

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Age has not been an obstacle for the men's doubles Mohammad Ahsan / Hendra Setiawan to continue playing badminton. Ahsan / Hendra will still take part in international tournaments in 2023.

This year, Hendra is now at age 38 with Ahsan is 35, the pair, who are nicknamed "The Daddies" as they are no longer young, remain to compete with young players and manage to rank sixth in the world.

"We will continue to play in 2023, even though we are getting older. We have not set any target, we just want to enjoy every game," said Hendra in a PBSI released on Sunday, December 11, 2022.

Throughout 2022, Ahsan/Hendra managed to reach the final round of five BWF World Tour tournaments, namely the India Open, All England, Malaysia Masters, World Championships, and World Tour Finals.

"Overall, in 2022 we are very grateful to still be able to make several finals even though the results are always runners-up. We know we are no longer young, but to still be able to play at this age is a good achievement," Ahsan added.

Ahsan/Hendra made it to the final of the 2022 World Tour Finals but lost to the Chinese men's double Liu Yu Chen/Ou Xuan Yi in a rubber game 17-21, 21-19, and 12-21.

Even though Liu / Ou and Ahsan / Hendra are quite far apart in age, the pair still can keep up with their game. Currently, Liu is 27 years old while Ou is 28.

The achievements of The Daddies cannot be underestimated as they have won three world titles (2013, 2015, and 2019).

Ahsan/Hendra took part in bringing the Indonesian men's team to win the 2020 Thomas Cup. Then they won gold at the 2011 SEA Games and 2014 Asian Games. Only the medals that they have not yet won were from the Olympic Games. Hendra had previously won a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics when he was paired with Markis Kido.

MUHAMMAD NURHENDRA SAPUTRA | IMAJI LASAHIDO (INTERN)

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