In a moving and fitting tribute, Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan, affectionately known as ‘The Daddies’, brought their illustrious careers to a close in front of a rapturous crowd at Istora Senayan on Sunday.
The iconic pair, whose chemistry and skill have defined men’s doubles for years, chose their home event to bid farewell, leaving fans with a treasure trove of memories. They played the final match of their partnership, which first came to being in 2013, against Malaysians Yap Roy King/Junaidi Arif on Thursday.
The farewell ceremony was a poignant celebration of an incredible journey that saw them claim three World Championship titles (2013, 2015, 2019), an All England crown in 2019 and countless victories on the badminton circuit.
But perhaps the most emotional moment came when the spotlight shone on Hendra Setiawan’s Olympic gold medal he won alongside late partner Markis Kido. Their victory at Beijing 2008 remains one of the country’s most cherished Olympic moments, securing Setiawan’s place as an all-time Indonesian sporting great.
A heartwarming video was later played, featuring tributes from Zheng Si Wei, Huang Ya Qiong, Fajar Alfian, Muhammad Rian Ardianto, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Liang Wei Keng, Wang Chang, Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen. Astrup, with deep affection, hailed the duo as “my childhood heroes”. The outpouring of admiration continued with messages from former coaches and respected BWF commentator Gill Clark.
Ahsan and Setiawan took everything in standing together on stage, surrounded by their families and members of the Indonesian Badminton Association. Setiawan, typically known for his composed demeanour, grew emotional as he addressed the crowd.
“I’m so happy my last performance was here at the Istora. Thank you to my wife for supporting me through wins and losses. Thanks to my parents and everyone who supported me. And to my partner Ahsan, thank you so much.”
Ahsan lightened the moment with his signature humour.
“Please don’t cry, only I can,” he joked, before offering his own heartfelt thanks. “Thank you to my family – my wife and children. To my coaches Herry Iman Pierngadi and Aryono Miranat, thank you so much for your guidance. You’ve made me a better player. And thank you to all the badminton fans, you are the best! Keep supporting the Indonesian team.”
The event also featured an exhibition match, with special guests Seo Seung Jae and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo pairing up to take on Ahsan/Setiawan. The lighthearted display had fans roaring with laughter, especially when Sukamuljo, in a moment of mischief, ran under the net to join his seniors during a rally. Seo, ever the competitor, won the point much to the delight of the crowd. Coaches Pierngadi and Miranat later swapped tasks with Seo to add to the festive atmosphere.
Ahsan and Setiawan’s legacy is built on more than just their on-court achievements. Their humility and perseverance made them not only champions but role models for future shuttlers. As they waved goodbye for the last time, chants of “Ahsan, Setiawan” echoed through the stadium for two of the sport’s greatest ambassadors.
Badminton world will sorely miss the Daddies but their influence will continue to inspire players and fans for generations to come.
As Clark so aptly put it in her tribute: “The Daddies have been a delight to watch. Thank you for showing the world the artistry and beauty of men’s badminton.”
We couldn’t agree more. Happy retirement, Ahsan and Setiawan.