Nova Widianto Returns to PBSI National Training Center: Is This the Start of Indonesian Mixed Doubles Resurgence?

The Central Executive Board of the All Indonesia Badminton Association (PP PBSI) has officially appointed Nova Widianto as head coach for the mixed doubles division at the PBSI National Training Center. The return of this Indonesian badminton legend is expected to mark the start of a revival for the country's elite world-level mixed doubles sector.

Nova has been trusted to replace Rionny Mainaky, who ended his working agreement with PBSI at the end of July following an evaluation of the mixed doubles player development program.

Alongside Rionny, assistant coach Amon Sunaryo will also not continue his duties at the National Training Center.

"Nova is a figure with exceptional experience and solid understanding within the doubles sector, both as a former athlete and as a coach," stated Eng Hian, Head of Development and Achievement Division for PBSI National Training Center, in an official written statement released in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Eng Hian expressed hope that Nova's arrival will bring positive changes for Indonesia's mixed doubles division.

"We expect his presence will bring new energy, improve the quality of player development, strengthen the competitive edge of Indonesia's mixed doubles pairs, and guide them to achieve their best results across various international tournaments," he stated.

This appointment marks Nova's second tenure as mixed doubles head coach at the PBSI National Training Center. He previously held this same position in 2021, before leaving to take on the challenge of coaching the Malaysian national badminton team.

During his tenure with Malaysia, Nova successfully developed multiple pairs that were able to compete at the highest global level.

His most notable achievement was guiding Chen Tang Jie / Toh Ee Wei to become the very first Malaysian mixed doubles pair to win the 2025 BWF World Championships. The pair defeated China's Jiang Zhen Bang / Wei Ya Xin 21-15, 21-14 in the final match held in Paris.

It is hoped that this experience can be passed on to Indonesian players. In the near future, Nova will begin preparing the mixed doubles squad ahead of the 2026 BWF World Championships, which will take place 17-23 August in New Delhi, India.

Indonesia will field Amri Syahnawi / Nita Violina Marwah as well as Marwan Faza / Aisyah Salsabila Putri Pranata for the tournament.

Meanwhile, the pairs Jafar Hidayatullah / Felisha Alberta Nathaniel Pasaribu and Adnan Maulana / Indah Cahya Sari Jamil have been confirmed to miss the championship.

As a former athlete, Nova stands as one of the greatest icons in Indonesian mixed doubles history. Alongside partner Liliyana Natsir, he won world championship titles in 2005 and 2007, and also claimed a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.