Indonesian mixed doubles shuttlers Jafar Hidayatullah and Felisha Pasaribu are emerging as strong contenders ahead of their debut at the 2025 BWF World Championships from August 25–31 in Paris.
Though they only teamed up a year ago, the pair has quickly risen to No. 1 in Indonesia and are currently ranked world No. 11. Their recent successes include winning the Taiwan Open Super 300 in May, claiming bronze at the Asian Championships, and reaching the semi-finals at the China Open Super 1000.
National doubles coach Rionny Mainaky has backed the young duo-Jafar (22) and Felisha (19)-to potentially reach the final in Paris, citing their strong mentality, improved focus, and readiness. Rionny believes they have learned from earlier losses and are poised to make a major breakthrough.
again and reach the final in Paris.
“I have seen that Jafar and Felisha are capable of handling pressure. I want them to prove themselves in the World Championships,” said Rionny in an interview posted in the Indonesian National Badminton Association (PBSI) website.
“They have the skills and they are ready. Now, it only depends on their commitment and fighting spirit.
“They only lost matches in Super 750 and 1000 tournaments due to small mistakes. We have analysed these and they know where they went wrong now.
“If they are fully focused and can stay fit, I’m confident they can reach the final in Paris. They are young and have plenty of potential,” added Rionny.
Indonesia has been seeking a strong mixed doubles pair since the retirement of legends Tantowi Ahmad and Liliyana Natsir, who last won the World Championships in 2017. Jafar and Felisha are now seen as promising successors, aiming to restore Indonesia’s dominance in the category.
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Jafar Hidayatullah Career Highlights
| Year | Tournament | Event | Result |
| 2023 | Indonesia Masters Super 100 | BWF World Tour | Champion |
| 2023 | Vietnam International | BWF Int’l Challenge | Champion |
| 2023 | Swedish Open | BWF Int’l Challenge | Champion |
| 2024 | Indonesia International (x2) | BWF Int’l Challenge | Champion |
| 2024 | Indonesia Masters Super 100 | BWF World Tour | Champion |
| 2025 | Taipei Open (Super 300) | BWF World Tour | Champion |
| 2025 | Asian Championships | Continental (Asia) | Bronze |
Felisha Pasaribu’s Career Highlights
| Year | Tournament/Event | Category | Result |
| 2025 | Taipei Open (Super 300) | Mixed Doubles | Winner |
| 2025 | Asian Championships (Ningbo) | Mixed Doubles | Bronze Medal (Semifinalist) |
| 2025 | German Open (Super 300) | Mixed Doubles | Quarterfinals |
| 2025 | Japan Open | Mixed Doubles | Round of 16 |
| 2025 | Indonesia Open (Super 1000) | Mixed Doubles | Debut |
| 2025 | Orléans Masters | Mixed Doubles | Round of 16 |
| 2024 | Indonesia Masters (Super 100) | Mixed Doubles | Winner |
| 2024 | Austrian Open | Mixed Doubles | Winner |
| 2024 | Indonesia International (x2) | Mixed Doubles | Winner (2 titles) |
| 2023 | Lithuanian International | Mixed Doubles | Runner-up |
| 2023 | World Junior Championships (Mixed Team) | Team Event | Silver Medal |
| 2023 | Asian Junior Championships (Yogyakarta) | Team Event | Silver Medal |
| 2022 | World Junior Championships (Mixed Team) | Team Event | Bronze Medal |
