Fikri growing in confidence for World Championships after back-to-back titles

Indonesian men's doubles player Muhammad Shohibul Fikri says his confidence has grown for the 2026 BWF World Championships after winning the Japan Open 2026 and China Open 2026 with partner Fajar Alfian.

By Sama News Agency
August 16, 2026
Two men's badminton players in turquoise uniforms play on court with VICTOR sponsor and Changzhou China advertising boards in background.
Muhammad Shohibul Fikri and Fajar Alfian compete in an international badminton tournament after winning consecutive titles at Japan Open and China Open 2026, boosting their confidence ahead of the 2026 BWF World Championships. (CNN Indonesia — Olahraga)
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Indonesian men's doubles player Muhammad Shohibul Fikri said his confidence is growing ahead of the 2026 BWF World Championships after claiming two prestigious titles in a row with his partner Fajar Alfian at the Japan Open 2026 and China Open 2026.

Fikri said the achievements from both BWF Super Series tournaments serve as important momentum to boost their mental strength. "Of course it makes us more confident, Rian and I are definitely even more confident with the result from yesterday," Fikri said at PBSI Training Centre in Cipayung, East Jakarta, on Wednesday (12/8).

Fikri acknowledged that every opponent would conduct evaluations to analyse their playing patterns. "In every match our opponents are training too, they will definitely review their shortcomings and know my shortcomings and my strengths," he said.

The consecutive positive results ended their title drought after nearly a year without winning at the highest level. This resurgence confirms the vital role of Fajar-Fikri as one of the main pillars of Indonesian men's doubles badminton.

The 2026 BWF World Championships is scheduled to take place at Indira Gandhi Arena in New Delhi, India, on 17-23 August.

Fikri confident for World Championships after consecutive wins | Sama News Agency