kilassurabaya.com | SIDOARJO – In the highly competitive world of Indonesian badminton, many talented players are stepping aside as they age. Some choose to retire for health reasons, while others are starting to lose ground to juniors.
However, Mustaqim Nur Cahyo is an exception. Born on October 7, 1997, this man proves that dedication to badminton doesn’t have to be confined to the national training center; it can even reach the deserts of Qatar.
Considering his 167 cm stature, Mustaqim may not be the most physically intimidating player, but his track record speaks otherwise.
“Honestly, many people say that at my age, I should start taking it easy. But for me, badminton isn’t just a career; it’s a way of life,” he said.
“As long as my legs are willing to run on the court, I will continue to hit the shuttlecock. Moving to Qatar gave me a new perspective: competition is everywhere,” Mustaqim said confidently, reflecting on his journey.
From a young age, he was a fighter on the national circuit. His peak came in 2015, when he reached 11th place nationally in the U-19 category. He dominated East Java, winning the 2015 East Java Provincial Championship and reaching the semifinals of the East Java Djarum Sirnas.
Now, at the age of 29, Mustaqim has found a new passion in Qatar. 2025 was a particularly productive year for him, finishing runner-up in the men’s singles at the QIA Qatar Open Season 4. His consistency at this ripe age demonstrates extraordinary mental maturity. (ist)
