Indonesia mixed doubles shuttlers Jafar Hidayatullah-Felisha Pasaribu in action against Singapore’s Wesley Koh Eng Keat-Li Zheng Yan during the first round of 33rd SEA Games at Thammasat University, Pathum Thani in Bangkok yesterday. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
BANGKOK: Indonesian shuttler Jafar Hidayatullah might not get to spend a lot of time with his younger sister Febi Setianingrum due to his badminton commitments but is happy to see her follow in his footsteps.
Jafar, who plays in the mixed doubles with Felisha Pasaribu, watched on with pride when Febi joined him in the Indonesian National Badminton Association (PBSI) three years ago.
Jafar has formed an impressive partnership with Felisha, reaching No. 10 in the world rankings after capturing bronze in the Asian Championships and winning the Taiwan Open titles this year while his sister triumphed with Rachel Allesya in the women’s doubles in the Australian Open last month.
“Since we were kids, Febi and I used to follow our father to play badminton,” said Jafar.
“While I started training professionally earlier, Febi played it as a hobby before she joined the Djarum Badminton Club.
“I joined Rajawali Badminton Club. Then, I was selected into PBSI in 2021.
“Our pathways were different but we both managed to get into PBSI.
“I don’t get to spend a lot of time with her as we are both busy with our respective badminton commitments but we hope our sacrifices pay off. I’m very proud of her.”
Jafar was part of the men’s team that won gold in the SEA Games men’s team event on Wednesday while Febi finished with silver in the women’s team.
In the individual event, the siblings have also booked their spots in the quarter-finals.
Jafar-Felisha had to dig deep to overcome Singapore’s Wesley Koh-Zheng Yan Li 19-21, 21-8, 21-19 and will face Myanmar’s Hein Htut-Thet Htar next.
Febi-Rachel easily beat Yan Li and Zheng Hong Li 21-11, 21-11 and will next play Vietnam’s Pham Thi Dieu-Pham Thi Khanh.
