Nova Widianto Appointed as PBSI Mixed Doubles Head Coach

PP PBSI has officially appointed Nova Widianto as the Head Coach of the mixed doubles national training camp at Cipayung, Jakarta. According to PBSI’s Head of Development Eng Hian, Widianto was selected for his exceptional track record and deep tactical understanding of doubles play, aimed at boosting Indonesia’s international competitiveness.

Fantasy & Market Impact

The Tactical Inheritance at Cipayung

Eng Hian pointed directly to Widianto’s dual perspective as both a world-class competitor and an elite mentor.

A Proven Pedigree on the Global Stage

Widianto’s credentials as a player are undisputed. Partnering with Liliyana Natsir, he captured two World Championship titles, secured an Olympic silver medal, and reached the summit as the world’s number-one mixed doubles pair.

After hanging up his racquet, Widianto transitioned smoothly into coaching, initially serving as an assistant alongside Richard Mainaky. When Mainaky stepped down, Widianto assumed the mantle of Head Coach of Mixed Doubles in 2021. However, his departure for the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) training center in early 2023 created a notable vacuum in Indonesia’s coaching pipeline.

Comparative Coaching Trajectory

Career Phase / Milestone	Details & Context
Playing Career Peak	Former World No. 1, 2x World Champion, and Olympic Silver Medalist alongside Liliyana Natsir.
Initial Coaching Tenure	Served as assistant to Richard Mainaky before taking over as Head Coach in 2021.
International Experience	Joined the BAM coaching setup at the beginning of 2023 before returning to Cipayung.
Current Mandate	Appointed Head Coach of Mixed Doubles at Pelatnas Cipayung by PP PBSI.

The Road Ahead for Indonesian Mixed Doubles

The appointment marks the dawn of a fresh chapter for the national camp. Eng Hian emphasized that the federation expects Widianto to inject fresh energy into the program, elevate training standards, and sharpen the competitive edge of every pair under his watch.