Indonesian Women's Singles Defeat Chinese Top Seeds, Mental Champion of Young Athletes Getting Sharper Thanks to PBSI Coaching Together with BNI

JAKARTA - PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk or BNI appreciates the achievement of Indonesian women's singles Putri Kusuma Wardani who managed to advance to the semifinals of the Japan Open 2026 after scoring a historic victory over the second seed from China, Wang Zhi Yi.

Competed at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, Friday (17/7), the victory was an important milestone in Putri's career journey because it was her first victory over Wang Zhi Yi after the previous seven matches that brought the two together.

BNI Corporate Secretary Okki Rushartomo said Putri's success showed that the process of coaching Indonesian young athletes that was carried out consistently continued to show positive developments at the world level.

"BNI is proud to see Putri Kusuma Wardani achieve an important achievement by reaching the semifinals of the Japan Open 2026. The victory over one of the world's best players is proof that hard work, discipline, and continuous coaching are able to encourage Indonesian athletes to continue to develop and achieve internationally," said Okki in a written statement.

Okki added that as a partner of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI), BNI's support is a manifestation of the Company's real contribution as a state-owned bank in creating added value for Indonesia through the development of talented sportsmen.

This step is in line with the direction of transformation of SOEs which encourages the creation of long-term value as one of the focus of Danantara Indonesia. Through support for the training of national athletes, BNI also strengthens the development of superior human resources who are able to achieve at the world level while providing a positive impact for the progress of the nation.

Putri's success in reaching the semifinals reflects the increasing maturity of the mental champion of Indonesian young athletes in facing competition at the world level. This achievement is the fruit of the coaching process that is carried out continuously, including through the opportunity to continue to hone their abilities and enrich their experience competing in various international tournaments.

"BNI is optimistic that continuous training, supported by the opportunity to compete at the international level, will further strengthen the competitiveness of Indonesian athletes while forming a champion character who is able to inspire the younger generation to continue to pursue their dreams," said Okki.

The achievements made by Putri are expected to be an inspiration and a driving force for the younger generation of Indonesia to continue to develop their best potential. This spirit is in line with the Swadharma Bhakti Nagara that BNI has carried out for eight decades to continue to provide added value and provide a positive impact for the progress of the nation. (ADV)