Fajar/Rian Must Get 2 Wins in 2024 Olympics Group Phase, Here’s Why

CHAMBLY – Indonesian men’s doubles coach Aryono Miranat said that Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto must focus on facing the group phase of the 2024 Paris Olympics. From the existing opponents, they must get two wins.

Fajri – Fajar/Rian’s nickname – already knows who their rivals will be in the group phase of the men’s doubles badminton sport at the 2024 Olympics after the draw was held today, Monday (15/7/2024). As a result, on paper their opponents are quite easy.

Fajar/Rian are in Group C with third seeds from India, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty. In addition, they will also meet the host duo, Lucas Corvee/Ronan Labar, and Mark Lamsfuss/Marvin Seidel from Germany.

However, Aryono said that the world’s sixth-ranked pair must not be careless in the group phase. They must be ready to fight with all existing opponents.

“In any group we have to be ready and after the draw, Fajar/Rian are in group C with Satwik/Chirag (India), Lucas/Ronan (France) and Lamsfuss/Seidel (Germany),” said Aryono as reported in the PBSI release, Monday (15/7/2024).

In terms of head-to-head record, Fajar/Rian are 3-1 ahead of the German pair and 1-0 ahead of the French duo. They only lost to Rankireddy/Shetty where in five meetings, they lost three times.

Therefore, Aryono assessed that the former world number one pair must secure two wins in the group phase. He said, they must not lose to Corvee/Labar and Lamsfuss/Seidel.

“We will focus on qualifying from this group first. Fajar/Rian must fight in every match, especially not to lose to the French and German pairs. It does not mean that India can lose, they must also fight to become group champions,” explained the coach nicknamed Coach Naga Air.

The badminton event itself will take place from July 27 to August 5. This will be Fajar/Rian’s debut at the world’s biggest sporting event.

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