Lin Dan to Taufik: "I never won a title in your home, but our friendship is more important"

Legends of the game Taufik Hidayat and Lin Dan recently shared a heartwarming interaction on social media after the Chinese superstar visited Indonesia for a charity exhibition event.

“From sharing the court as rival to sharing moments as friend, it is always a pleasure to see you again, Lin Dan. We shared many unforgettable battles on the court, but the friendship and mutual respect we built beyond the game are just as meaningful,” said Hidayat.

Lin Dan’s reply was even more touching, as he said “I have never won a championship at your home venue, but our friendship is more important than the championship in my heart.”

The 42-year-old Lin was in Jakarta for the Shuttle Open 2026 earlier this week, featuring several Indonesian legends such as Taufik, Hendra Setiawan and Liliyana Natsir.

But one name stood out among the pack and that was none other than two-time Olympic champion and five-time world champion Lin Dan, who was a guest invitee.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Taufik Hidayat (@taufikhidayatofficial)

Lin dan Hidayat even partnered each other in an exhibition match, while the Chinese ace also had his personal racquet and jersey auctioned at the event.

Remarkably, despite winning almost every silverware badminton has to offer, Lin never won the Indonesia Open or Indonesia Masters throughout his 20-year career.

But in his 23-meetings against Hidayat, the Chinese men’s singles maestro won 18 of his 23 matches against the Indonesian.

The last time both men faced each other was at the 2012 Olympics, which saw Lin win in straight games as he went on to win his second gold medal.