BWF Approves Gregoria Mariska Tunjung's Protected Ranking

JAKARTA - The International Badminton Federation (BWF) has approved the request for protected ranking submitted by women's singles athlete Gregoria Mariska Tunjung.

The All Indonesia Badminton Association (PBSI) said that the protection of the ranking had a minimum validity of three months to one year, starting from December 30, 2025.

"The request for protected ranking was submitted by PBSI in accordance with BWF regulations in relation to the medical condition in the form of vertigo experienced by Gregoria," read the statement from PBSI, which was received by the media.

This condition makes Gregoria need continuous medical treatment and a measured recovery period so that she cannot participate in the series of international tournaments in the BWF competition calendar.

The ranking protection makes Gregoria have the right to use the protected ranking when registering for BWF tournaments after being declared ready to compete again. Gregoria's position will not decline even if he is absent from the BWF tour.

Head of Training and Achievement (Kabid Binpres) of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI), Eng Hian, emphasized that the health condition of athletes is the main priority in every decision-making.

"During the recovery period, Gregoria will receive comprehensive support and supervision from the PBSI support team so that the recovery process can run optimally and sustainably," he said.

This ranking protection automatically makes Gregoria able to undergo a good recovery period before returning to strengthen Indonesia in various international tournaments.

Eng Hian said that he highly respected and appreciated the BWF's decision to approve the request for a protected ranking for the athlete who won the bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

"This decision gives athletes space to focus on recovery without having to be burdened by the consequences of world rankings," he said.

Gregoria is confirmed to withdraw from the 2026 Malaysia Open which will take place next week at the Axiata Arena, Kuala Lumpur. This decision leaves the Indonesian women's singles to face Putri Kusuma Wardani.