Three Decades Have Passed, Now Is The Time For Indonesia To Bring Home The Sudirman Cup

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Sudirman Cup team has arrived in the city of Vantaa, Finland. The Garuda squad set out to dream of bringing home the symbol of world mixed team badminton supremacy, which they only achieved once when they hosted 1989.

Since then, Indonesia has experienced a title fast in the Sudirman Cup. At best, the Garuda squad only appeared as runner-up. Finally, in 2019, Indonesia's steps were stopped in the semifinals.

In this edition, the composition of the Indonesian national team consisting of 11 male and nine female athletes will compete on September 26 - October 3. Hendra Setiawan et al are included in the ranks of Group C along with Denmark, the Russian Olympic Committee, and Canada.

Indonesia has ambitions to bring home the Sudirman Cup. But, what are the chances of Indonesia becoming champion this time?

According to the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI)'s Head of Public Relations and Media, Broto Happy, Indonesia's opportunity to win the title remains open. But of course, it will not be obtained in an easy way.

"The opportunity to win the Sudirman Cup remains open, especially since Indonesia is the third seed. Just to make it happen, you have to fight hard," said Broto Happy to VOI by telephone, Friday.

"The focus of the Red-White Team is how to face the match in the group stage first. Against Russia, Canada, and Denmark in Group C, this is the first test that must be faced to chase tickets to qualify as group winners first," he continued.

Broto Happy also emphasized that the Indonesian team should not underestimate the opponent.

"Although on paper, the scenario is that they can overcome opponents in the group stage, the Red and White squad must not underestimate (their opponents)," said Broto.

Meanwhile, team captain Hendra Setiawan does not deny that his team will face a difficult challenge in the Sudirman Cup. However, he wants them to play loose because the chance to win a second title in the mixed team tournament is still wide open.

"The opportunity for all 'fifty-fifty' teams will depend on how it is on the field. Hopefully, all of them can play freely," said Hendra through an official statement from PBSI.

As the most senior athlete in the national team, Hendra is ready to share his experiences with other members. According to him, appearing in the team and individual championships is different.

Firmly he is ready to support young players to play more freely and not be under pressure when competing.

"I'm happy and open with young players who enter the team. It's very good because it's an experience for them how to perform in a big team event. I'd love to just enter them later," said the athlete who was paired with Mohammad Ahsan.

He believes that the Red and White squad can perform well, supported also by athletes who have the full experience from almost all sectors.

"Hopefully we can get maximum results. We have Olympic gold medalists in women's doubles, world number one players in men's doubles, Jonathan and Ginting in men's singles are also good. The strength is evenly distributed, hopefully, this year we can bring home the Sudirman Cup," Hendra said.

Greysia Polii also added that she saw that the Sudirman Cup team this time felt more compact and the togetherness of the team was also very strong.

"I see the togetherness and cohesiveness of the team this time is so strong. This can be a capital for Indonesia to win the Sudirman Cup," said the Tokyo Olympic gold medalist.

"We also ask for the blessing of all Indonesian people so that they can play optimally and reap success in Finland later," she said.

Indonesia's first practice in Finland

The Indonesian badminton team underwent its inaugural training session which lasted for 90 minutes in Vantaa City, Finland, last Thursday. The Red and White squad trains at Hameenkylan Liikuntahal which has nine fields and is only 20 minutes from the hotel.

Citing Antara, the players train according to their respective sectors. In the men's doubles, Hendra Setiawan, Marcus Fernaldi Gideon, and Rian Ardianto had time to practice a three-on-three match with Mohammad Ahsan, Kevin Sanjaya Skamaljo, and Fajar Alfian.

In the men's singles, Anthony Sinisuka Ginting practiced the game with Jonatan Christie. Meanwhile, Shesar Hiren Rhustavito trained with the women's singles player, Gregoria Mariska Tunjung. Meanwhile, Putri Kusuma Wardani played against Esther Nurumi Tri Wardoyo.

In the women's doubles, Greysia Polii's sparring with Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti was no less exciting. They competed against Apriyani Rahayu/Ribka Sugiarto.

For mixed doubles, Praveen Jordan in a duet with Pitha Haningtyas Mentari sparred with Rinov Rivaldy who was paired with Melati Daeva Oktavianti.

"Today (Thursday, ed) my friends and I are practicing with enthusiasm. It's very nice to be back in training. This exercise is indeed expected to restore conditions," said Praveen.

This first exercise aims to restore the condition of the players. The reason is, after two days from departing from Jakarta to landing in Finland on Wednesday, the athletes have not had time to practice.