After Thomas Cup 2026 failure, PBSI considering replacing coach

Friday, 8 May 2026 | 15:00

Author: Arif S

Wakil Ketua Umum I PBSI Taufik Hidayat (tengah).
Source: Antara/Fajar Satriyo

Summary

1. PBSI is considering replacing coaches following Indonesia's poor performance in the 2026 Thomas and Uber Cup.

2. PBSI Vice Chairman Taufik Hidayat emphasized that evaluations will cover all sectors, including underperforming coaches and support staff.

3. Indonesia created a negative record by failing to advance from the Thomas Cup group stage for the first time ever after losses to Thailand and France.

Failed in Thomas Cup 2026, PBSI Opens Door to Coach Replacement

The Indonesian team's failure in the Thomas Cup 2026 has triggered signals of a major evaluation within the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI). Vice Chairman I of PBSI, Taufik Hidayat, stated that the opportunity to replace coaches is wide open following achievements deemed far below expectations.

Taufik mentioned that changes in the coaching structure could occur anytime if the team's performance shows no progress.

From Title Contender to Early Exit, Indonesia's Tragic Fate at the 2026 Thomas Cup

Indonesia Aim for Thomas Cup 2026 Final, Uber Focus on Group Stage Qualification

Indonesia Exits Thomas Cup 2026 in Group Stage, Darkest Chapter in History

“It's highly possible (to have coach changes), why not? Could there be changes in the singles sector? Absolutely. Athlete promotion and relegation can happen anytime, and so can coaching changes,” he said during a press conference at PBSI National Training Center, Cipayung, Jakarta, Friday.

This statement responded to the Red and White team's disappointing results in the Thomas Cup 2026. For the first time in history, Indonesia failed to advance past the group stage after being eliminated by Thailand and France.

This record becomes a stain in Indonesia's long history as one of the most successful nations in the world's most prestigious men's team tournament. Public pressure mounted after Indonesia's dominance tradition collapsed faster than anticipated.

According to Taufik, sports demand instant results where achievement is the primary measure. Therefore, PBSI doesn't rule out a comprehensive overhaul, not only at the technical coach level but also within the support team.

“If they don't perform, why keep them? Sports can't wait. Not just technical coaches but also support staff - if they're not optimal, we'll find new ones,” Taufik emphasized.

Meanwhile in the women's sector, Indonesia's Uber Team failed to reach the final after being stopped by South Korea in the Uber Cup 2026 semifinals.

Amid heavy criticism, PBSI emphasized that responsibility for these poor results lies with the federation and asked the public not to vent disappointment toward players.

This stance shows internal evaluation is the primary focus to restore the competitiveness of Indonesian Badminton globally.

With the Olympics and major tournaments approaching, the federation races against time to rebuild the foundation of national badminton achievements.

Quick Answer

PBSI Considers Coach Replacement After Indonesia's Thomas Cup 2026 Failure

Following Indonesia's unprecedented group stage exit at Thomas Cup 2026, PBSI is considering replacing coaches and support staff. Vice Chairman Taufik Hidayat confirmed evaluations will cover all sectors after losses to Thailand and France ended Indonesia's historic record of always advancing past group stages.

Indonesia failed to advance from Thomas Cup group stage for first time ever
PBSI confirms possible replacements for coaches and support staff
Comprehensive evaluation covers all underperforming sectors

The Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) is evaluating potential coach replacements following the national team's historic failure at Thomas Cup 2026. This comes after Indonesia suffered its first-ever group stage elimination in the prestigious tournament, falling to Thailand and France. PBSI Vice Chairman Taufik Hidayat confirmed that comprehensive evaluations will examine all coaching and support staff positions.

Taufik emphasized that changes could occur immediately if performance doesn't improve, stating: "It's highly possible to have coach changes. Athlete promotion and relegation can happen anytime, and so can coaching changes." He further noted that underperforming technical coaches and support staff would be replaced, adding that "sports demand instant results where achievement is the primary measure."

The evaluation follows Indonesia's unprecedented early exit from Thomas Cup competition, breaking their traditional dominance in the tournament. Meanwhile, Indonesia's Uber Cup team fell in the semifinals to South Korea. Amid public criticism, PBSI leadership has assumed responsibility for the results while urging supporters not to direct disappointment toward players.

With upcoming Olympic Games and major tournaments, PBSI is prioritizing structural improvements to rebuild Indonesia's global badminton competitiveness. The federation's review aims to address systemic issues that contributed to these disappointing outcomes.

FAQ

Why is PBSI considering coach changes?

Due to Indonesia's unprecedented group stage exit at Thomas Cup 2026 after losses to Thailand and France, which PBSI views as unacceptable performance.

What did Taufik Hidayat say about possible changes?

PBSI's Vice Chairman stated coach and support staff replacements are possible anytime if performance doesn't improve, emphasizing sports demand instant results.

How did Indonesia perform in Uber Cup 2026?

The women's team reached semifinals but was stopped by South Korea, falling short of finals qualification.

Who takes responsibility for these results?

PBSI stated federation leadership bears responsibility and requested public not direct disappointment toward players.