
Jakarta, Jan 23 – Indonesia’s legendary men’s doubles pair, Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan, fondly known as “The Daddies,” officially retired from international badminton after bowing out in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Indonesia Masters. They were defeated by Malaysia’s Junaidi Arif and Yap Roy King in straight sets, 13-21, 14-21, at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta.
This Super 500 tournament was announced as the final stage for the legendary duo.
Highlights of Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan vs. Junaidi Arif and Yap Roy King in the 2025 Indonesia Masters second round:
Reflecting on the Final Match
“It’s finally the end this time, and I feel relieved. For years, every match required intense focus and preparation, but today, I was able to enjoy the game more,” Hendra Setiawan shared during the post-match press conference.
Ahsan added humorously, “We’ve completed our journey. No more grueling training sessions—there’s some relief in that too.”
Despite the loss, The Daddies were met with a heartfelt standing ovation from the crowd, showcasing their profound impact on the badminton community.
A Storied Career of Excellence
The Indonesia Masters 2025 marked the end of a 13-year partnership that began at the 2012 Denmark Open. Over their illustrious career, Ahsan and Setiawan then claimed three BWF World Championship titles together (2013, 2015, 2019), a Thomas Cup gold medal in 2020, and numerous other prestigious titles.
Though briefly separated as a pair in 2016, PBSI reunited them in 2018.
Tribute and Future Plans
The Daddies will be honored in a special ceremony titled “Tribute to The Daddies,” organized by the BWF and PBSI. Reflecting on their retirement, Ahsan said, “We will miss the atmosphere of the tournaments, the support from fans, and our interactions with the media.”
Both players expressed excitement about embracing a more family-focused lifestyle. “Now it’s time to return to our families. Ko Hendra will take his kids to school, and I’ll have more time at home too,” Ahsan said with a smile.
Other Highlights from Indonesia Masters 2025
Malaysia’s Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik March into the Quarterfinals
Second-seeded Malaysian men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik defeated Taiwan’s Lu Ming Che/Tang Kai Wei 21-16, 21-16 to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. They will next face Korea’s fifth seeds Kang Min Hyuk and Kim Won Ho, who overcame Indonesia’s Muhammad Shohibul Fikri/Daniel Marthin 21-19, 21-19.
Top-Seeded Malaysian Mixed Doubles Advance
Malaysia’s top mixed doubles pair, Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, defeated Indonesia’s Jafar Hidayatullah
and Felisha Alberta Nathaniel Pasaribu 24-22, 21-14 to advance to the quarterfinals. They will face Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Supissara Paewsampran, who triumphed over Japan’s Yuta Watanabe/Maya Taguchi 21-17, 21-13.