Putri KW Makes History at BWF 2025 Quarterfinals

Indonesian shuttler Putri Kusuma Wardani, better known as Putri KW, carved a new milestone in her career after advancing to the quarterfinals of the BWF World Championships 2025 in Paris. This marks her best achievement in the prestigious tournament and brings fresh hope for Indonesia in the women’s singles discipline, an area where the country has long struggled to compete at the highest level (Antara, August 29).

In the round of 16 held at Stade Pierre de Coubertin on Thursday (August 28), Putri delivered a dominant performance against Japan’s Tomoka Miyazaki. Playing with sharp attacks, quick movement, and solid defense, she sealed victory in straight games 21–12, 21–11 (CNN Indonesia, August 29). The win not only booked her a place in the last eight but also underscored her steady rise on the world stage.

Dominant Display Against Miyazaki

The matchup against Miyazaki was initially expected to be a tight contest. Miyazaki, a young Japanese talent, had shown promise in the earlier rounds. However, Putri quickly took control of the game from the opening rally. Her sharp net play combined with consistent defense left Miyazaki struggling to execute her strategies (Detik Sport, August 29).

In the first game, Putri stormed to an 11–4 lead at the interval and never looked back, closing the game at 21–12. The second game saw her confidence grow even further. She read Miyazaki’s shots well, forced multiple errors, and maintained a commanding lead. The match ended 21–11, wrapping up the contest in less than 40 minutes.

First Quarterfinal Appearance at the Worlds

This success marks a significant step in Putri KW’s career. Since her debut at the World Championships, she had never progressed past the early rounds. Reaching the quarterfinals for the first time now confirms her ability to compete among the world’s best.

“I’m very happy to make it to the quarterfinals for the first time. This is a huge motivation for me to keep improving and perform even better in the next match,” Putri said after her victory (Antara, August 29).

Next Challenge: Sindhu Awaits

In the quarterfinals, Putri faces a tough challenge against former world champion Pusarla V. Sindhu of India. Sindhu is renowned for her power, experience, and strong record at major tournaments. Head-to-head, Putri trails Sindhu, having lost both of their previous encounters (PBDjarum, August 29).

Despite the odds, Putri remains optimistic. She emphasized that the match against Sindhu would be a chance to prove herself.

“I know Sindhu is a very strong player, but I don’t want to give up before fighting. I will give my best performance on court,” she stated (Liputan6, August 29).

A New Hope for Indonesian Women’s Singles

Putri’s breakthrough into the quarterfinals is a breath of fresh air for Indonesian badminton, particularly in women’s singles. For decades, Indonesia has struggled to produce world-class results in this discipline, which has been dominated by players from China, Japan, Korea, and India (Sindonews, August 29).

Her success is seen as a sign of progress and inspiration for the next generation of Indonesian shuttlers. Coaches and officials at the national training center praised Putri’s development as the result of long-term investment and consistent training under PBSI, Indonesia’s badminton federation.

Support From Fans and Teammates

Putri’s achievement has been warmly celebrated by Indonesian fans. Social media was filled with messages of congratulations, with many expressing pride in her historic run. Her fellow national teammates also rallied behind her, offering encouragement ahead of her quarterfinal clash.

Doubles specialist Apriyani Rahayu, who is also competing in Paris, said she was inspired by Putri’s achievement.

“I’m proud of what Putri has accomplished. Hopefully this will be the start of a revival for Indonesian women’s singles,” Apriyani noted (Antara, August 29).

Areas for Improvement

While the victory was impressive, Putri herself admitted that she still has room for improvement. One of her main focuses is consistency in maintaining concentration on court. Facing Sindhu, she will need stronger stamina and sharper mental resilience.

Her coach, Herli Djaenudin, pointed out that tactics will play a crucial role in the next match. “Sindhu has both power and experience. Putri needs to maximize her speed, use shot variations, and avoid being dragged into Sindhu’s rhythm. She must take the initiative in attack,” Herli explained (CNN Indonesia, August 29).

Momentum Ahead of the Olympics

The BWF World Championships 2025 also serve as an important stepping stone in the lead-up to the 2028 Olympic Games. For Putri, this breakthrough offers valuable ranking points and a major confidence boost. Currently ranked within the world’s top 25, she is expected to climb higher after this tournament (Republika, August 29).

If she can maintain her consistency and continue achieving strong results, Putri has the potential to become one of Indonesia’s key hopes at the Olympics. PBSI has already identified her as a promising figure to elevate Indonesian women’s singles back to the elite level.

Putri KW’s run to the quarterfinals of the BWF World Championships 2025 is a historic moment for her career and for Indonesian badminton. With a commanding win over Tomoka Miyazaki, she has not only set a personal milestone but also revived hopes for Indonesia in the women’s singles sector.

A formidable test awaits against Pusarla V. Sindhu, but Putri has already shown that with determination, discipline, and mental strength, nothing is impossible. Indonesian badminton fans now eagerly await her next chapter on the world stage.