Alwi Farhan Earns Surprise Call-Up to 2025 BWF World Championships, Replacing Axelsen

Alwi Farhan, one of Indonesia’s most promising young badminton talents, has received a surprise call-up to the 2025 BWF World Championships in Paris, scheduled for August 25–31. The 20-year-old shuttler has been named as an official replacement for Viktor Axelsen, the Danish two-time world champion, who has withdrawn from the tournament due to ongoing recovery from back surgery.

This marks Alwi’s debut on the World Championship stage and elevates him to join Indonesia’s top-tier men’s singles lineup, alongside Anthony Sinisuka Ginting and Jonatan Christie.

Viktor Axelsen’s exit opens door for Alwi Farhan

Axelsen, who won the World Championship titles in 2017 and 2022, announced earlier this year that he was still in recovery following back surgery in April. While the Dane had initially been expected to return in time for the World Championships, he later confirmed his withdrawal, creating an opening for a new entry.

Alwi had been eighth on the official reserve list for the tournament. However, the five players ranked above him had already been granted main draw entries. The next two on the list — Lei Lan Xi of China and Chi Yu Jen of Chinese Taipei — were ineligible to replace Axelsen due to the four-player maximum quota per country being already fulfilled.

As a result, Alwi became the highest eligible replacement, earning the right to join the competition just weeks before the tournament.

Alwi Farhan: “I didn’t expect this, but I’m ready”

Reacting to the news, Alwi expressed his gratitude and determination to seize the rare opportunity.

“Alhamdulillah, I’m very grateful and happy. I didn’t expect to be playing at the World Championships. I’m excited, but I also need to stay calm and composed. I want to make the most of this chance and gain as much experience as possible,” said Alwi in an official statement released by PBSI (Indonesian Badminton Association) on Friday (August 8).

With just over a week to prepare, Alwi is shifting into high gear, focusing on mental readiness and physical conditioning.

“Now that the decision is confirmed, my mindset is clearer. I can focus fully on training and preparation.”

Indonesia’s full squad heading to Paris

Indonesia will send a full-strength squad across all five categories at the 2025 BWF World Championships, with several players expected to make deep runs in the competition.

Men’s Singles

• Jonatan Christie

• Anthony Sinisuka Ginting

• Alwi Farhan

Women’s Singles

• Gregoria Mariska Tunjung

• Putri Kusuma Wardani

Men’s Doubles

• Fajar Alfian / Muhammad Rian Ardianto

• Leo Rolly Carnando / Bagas Maulana

• Sabar Karyaman Gutama / Moh. Reza Pahlevi Isfahani

The men’s doubles team welcomes back the duo of Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto, who had previously been split. Fajar notably claimed the China Open 2025 Super 1000 title alongside Shohibul Fikri, delivering Indonesia’s first Super 1000 win this year.

Women’s Doubles

• Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma / Amallia Cahaya Pratiwi

• Lanny Tria Mayasari / Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti

Mixed Doubles

• Rinov Rivaldy / Pitha Haningtyas Mentari

• Jafar Hidayatullah / Felisha Alberta Nathaniel Pasaribu

The mixed doubles field includes rising pair Jafar/Felisha, who have impressed in recent tournaments with a semifinal finish at the 2025 China Open, adding fresh excitement to the squad.

A debut with big potential

Alwi Farhan’s late call-up highlights both his growth on the international stage and Indonesia’s focus on nurturing future talent in men’s singles. His inclusion brings new energy and valuable experience to the national squad.

As the world turns its attention to Paris, fans will be eager to see how this young shuttler rises to the occasion on badminton’s biggest stage.