Russian Badminton Team Undergoes Intensive Training in Indonesia
Indonesia is bolstering its international sporting ties and sharing its renowned badminton expertise with a two-week training camp for sixteen Russian players at the Indonesian Badminton Association’s (PBSI’s) National Training Center in Cipayung, East Jakarta. The camp, which began on Wednesday and will continue through July 21, 2025, is a direct result of a bilateral sports cooperation program between the two nations.
A Unique Coaching Approach
The Russian team, arriving just one day prior to the start of training, demonstrated considerable enthusiasm for adopting the rigorous training methods employed by Indonesian national athletes. A key difference highlighted by the Russian team manager, Pavel Sorokin, is the specialized coaching structure. “Training here is very different,” Sorokin explained at the PBSI National Training Center. “In Russia, we have just one coach for all disciplines, whereas here, each sector has its own coach. This really helps the players develop.” This individualized attention is expected to accelerate player development and refine specific skill sets.
Despite initial fatigue, the Russian athletes are fully committed to the intensive sessions. Sorokin expressed optimism that the camp will provide valuable insights into technique, training rhythm, and a strong work ethic. “We requested the training program that the Indonesian team usually follows, and are trying our best to adhere to it. This is an incredible experience, and we’re looking forward to the next two weeks,” he added.
Reciprocal Training and Strengthening Ties
This exchange builds upon recent diplomatic efforts. Meetings between Russian delegates and PBSI officials in Jakarta in April were followed by a visit from PBSI chair M. Fadil Imran and his staff to St. Petersburg, Russia, in June. During that visit, Indonesian athletes participated in a week of match training in Russia, establishing a reciprocal learning environment.
Focus on Technical Refinement
The current training focuses on enhancing the technical skills of the Russian players, including Alina Davletova and her teammates. On Wednesday, the team practiced under the guidance of coaches from the Pratama squad, which focuses on junior and development players within the national training system. Men’s singles assistant coach Ihsan Maulana Mustofa observed that the Russian athletes possess a solid technical foundation.
“In terms of quality, they’re quite good,” Mustofa stated. “Today, we concentrated on their gameplay and the precision of their front and back strokes. Going forward, we’ll provide them with training that they might not typically receive in their home country.” The primary focus of the two-week camp will be improving technique and footwork, areas identified as crucial for elevating the team’s performance.
This collaborative training initiative underscores Indonesia’s commitment to fostering international sporting relationships and solidifying its position as a global leader in badminton development. The program also reflects Indonesia’s broader strategy of leveraging its expertise to boost its Olympic prospects, as highlighted in recent news regarding preparations for the 2028 Olympics and a scientific approach to badminton training. The success of this camp could pave the way for further exchanges and collaborations, strengthening the bond between Indonesia and Russia through the shared passion for badminton.
