Indonesian Badminton Legend Appointed as Coach for Canada's GX Badminton Club

Indonesian badminton legend Tri Kusharjanto has opened a new chapter in his professional career. After years of upholding Indonesia's reputation both as an athlete and a coach, the 2000 Sydney Olympic silver medalist will continue his work as a coach at GX Badminton Club, based at Calgary South Racquet Sports in Canada.

Tri is scheduled to depart this coming August, after officially finalising his partnership with MSD Sport Agency. This move marks the start of a new challenge, as well as an opportunity for him to expand his contributions to global badminton development.

"Thank you to MSD Sport Agency for helping former badminton athletes like myself properly continue our careers overseas, both as coaches and players," Tri Kusharjanto stated in his official release.

For Tri, this coaching opportunity in Canada is an entirely new experience, after he spent nearly his entire badminton journey competing and coaching within Indonesia's national badminton system.

At GX Badminton, Tri will focus specifically on youth player development. Prior to accepting the offer, he held a series of remote discussions with the club management to align on partnership terms and planned coaching programs.

"Once again, thank you for this opportunity. I am honoured, as I have never received an offer of this nature before. I have also held virtual conversations with the GX Badminton team, and they have clearly expressed their interest in working with me," said the man fondly known as Trikus.

Tri Kusharjanto has an extensive legacy in professional badminton. Alongside his 2000 Sydney Olympic silver medal won with partner Minarti Timur, he was also a core member of the Indonesian squad that lifted the 2002 Thomas Cup trophy.

MSD Sport Agency Owner Reyhan Moses Tulaar confirmed that Tri's established reputation was the primary reason GX Badminton selected him to develop Canada's next generation of badminton talent.

"Tri Kusharjanto has achieved exceptional feats in badminton. His name is respected both in Indonesia and internationally. His Sydney 2000 Olympic silver medal stands as proof of his calibre, which is exactly why GX Badminton sought him out for this coaching role," Reyhan stated.

Reyhan expressed hope that Tri's decades of experience will bring fresh perspective for Canadian badminton, which has recorded consistent positive growth in recent years.

"It is expected that Tri Kusharjanto's arrival will bring new energy and positive momentum for the progress of Canadian badminton, which is currently on the rise following Victor Lai's 2026 Indonesia Open victory," Reyhan added.

Meanwhile, MSD Sport Agency Chairman Roy Bartolomeus Tulaar noted that this partnership forms part of the agency's core mission to open international career pathways for both active and retired Indonesian athletes.

"Tri Kusharjanto is a former player with outstanding standing, which aligns perfectly with the vision of GX Badminton, one of Canada's most reputable badminton clubs. We are confident Tri's presence will further advance badminton development across the country," he said.

Tri has no plans to rush rolling out training programs. He will first study the characteristics and individual potential of the young players before designing customised coaching methodologies.

"During the initial period I want to first assess the existing local talent. This way I will have proper time to develop these players properly. With the very favourable contract terms that have been agreed, this is without doubt a very meaningful challenge for me," Tri concluded.