Alwi Farhan Warms Up Ahead of Asian Games 2026, Gets Lesson from Kento Momota

Jakarta - Indonesian men's singles badminton player, Alwi Farhan, continues to mature his preparation ahead of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. In the final training session in Tokyo, Japan, he had the opportunity to train with Japanese living legend Kento Momota. This moment became part of the final training camp before competing in Asia's most prestigious multi-event. Alwi admitted he was happy and honored to train with Momota. For him, the opportunity was not just an ordinary practice, but a valuable experience that could sharpen his mentality and technique. "I am very happy and honored to be able to train with Kento Momota. This is an experience not everyone can get," said Alwi in an official PBSI statement. However, Alwi realized that training with Momota was not a guarantee of success at the 2026 Asian Games. He emphasized that he still had to work hard and continue to improve the quality of his game. "I must not be complacent. There is still a lot I need to fix, especially consistency and calmness on the court," he added. The experience of training with Momota in Tokyo was part of the training camp program arranged by PBSI. The Indonesian men's singles head coach, Irwansyah, assessed that Momota's presence as a sparring partner provided a different color in Alwi's preparation. "Momota is a player with extraordinary defense and experience competing at the highest level. His presence really helps Alwi measure his abilities," said Irwansyah. However, Irwansyah reminded that training results cannot be used as an absolute benchmark. He emphasized the importance of Alwi's adaptation and mental readiness at the 2026 Asian Games. "We don't want Alwi to be burdened by expectations. Our focus is on how he can perform optimally and give his best," he explained. Alwi himself realized that the 2026 Asian Games would be his debut in a major multi-event. He admitted he was motivated to perform optimally and make Indonesia proud. "This is my debut at the Asian Games. I want to give my best and bring home a medal for Indonesia," he emphasized. Alwi's preparation in Tokyo also became the spotlight of Japanese media. They assessed the collaboration between Alwi and Momota as a symbol of regeneration in world men's singles. Momota, who has retired, remains active in training and occasionally becomes a sparring partner for young players, including Alwi. Nevertheless, the Indonesian public was asked not to place excessive expectations. Badminton observer, Broto Happy, assessed that Alwi is still in the development stage. "Alwi has great potential, but the Asian Games is not an ordinary tournament. It takes a champion mentality and experience," he said. Broto also highlighted the importance of federation support in shaping Alwi into a world-class player. "PBSI must consistently provide quality training programs. Don't just rely on one or two tournaments," he added. Alwi himself admitted he had not thought about a specific target at the 2026 Asian Games. He focused more on the process and tried to enjoy every match. "I don't want to be burdened by targets. The important thing is I have tried my best and won't regret it," he said. With thorough preparation, Alwi hopes to display his best game at the 2026 Asian Games. He also thanked all parties who have supported him, including PBSI and the coaches. "Support from all parties means a lot to me. I will try to repay it with achievements," he concluded. Meanwhile, Kento Momota declined to comment much regarding his role as a sparring partner. He only advised Alwi to keep training and not be complacent. "Alwi is a talented young player. He just needs to keep working hard and stay humble," said Momota briefly. With all the preparation that has been done, Alwi Farhan is ready to navigate the 2026 Asian Games. The Indonesian public hopes he can follow in the footsteps of his seniors and bring honor to the nation on the international stage.