Miss Sudirman Cup: A Cup That Belongs To Indonesia That Doesn't Belong To Indonesia

Greysia Polii (Source: BWF Sudirman Cup)

JAKARTA - Sudirman Cup belongs to Indonesia. Owned in an identical sense, because it was named after the founder of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI), Dick Sudirman. Indonesia also immediately became the champion when this tournament was held for the first time. But just like that. Indonesia's achievements in this biennial international championship are far from flashy. Sudirman Cup does not really belong to Indonesia.

Yes, Indonesia won the inaugural Sudirman Cup tournament in 1989 which was held at Istora Senayan, Jakarta. And that is the only Sudirman Cup that Indonesia has won. In other editions, Indonesia's best achievements have almost been achieved. Indonesia has been recorded as runner-up six times, namely in 1991, 1993, 1995, 2001, 2005, and 2007.

Barely is ever enough. But it's not nearly as bad either, at least as a keeper of hope. At the 17th edition of the Sudirman Cup in 2021, Indonesia still has the opportunity to bring this prestigious trophy to the country. This year, Indonesia fielded a number of the best names, such as Jonatan Christie and Anthony Sinisuka Ginting in the Men's Singles number.

In the Women's Singles, there are Gregoria Mariska Tunjung, Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo, and Putri Kusuma Wardani, a 19-year-old player who debuted in this tournament. In the doubles sector, Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo and Marcus Fernaldi Gideon (Men), Greysia Polii and Apriyani Rahayu (Women), and Rinov Rivaldy/Pitha Haningtyas Mentari (Mixed).

The following is a complete list of Indonesian players who will be selected for the 2021 Sudirman Cup:

Men's Sector

Anthony Sinisuka Ginting Jonatan Christie Shesar Hiren Rhustavito Marcus Fernaldi Gideon Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo Mohammad Ahsan Hendra Setiawan Fajar Alfian Muhammad Rian Ardianto Praveen Jordan Rinov Rivaldy

Princess Sector

Gregoria Mariska Tunjung Putri Kusuma Wardani Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo Greysia Polii Apriyani Rahayu Ribka Sugiarto Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti Melati Daeva Oktavianti Pitha Haningtyas Mentari

Kevin/Markus at Sudirman Cup 2021 (Source: BWF Sudirman Cup)

PBSI's Head of Development and Achievement (Head of Binpres) Rionny Mainaky targets the 2021 Sudirman Cup title. He sees that all players are ready and motivated. "My principle is that in every tournament the target is to win. Hopefully this year we can bring the Sudirman Cup back to Indonesia," he said in a PBSI release, quoted by VOI, Wednesday, September 29.

Indonesia is the third seed in this tournament. Indonesia is in Group C with Denmark, the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), and Canada. The 2021 Sudirman Cup takes place in Vantaa, Finland from September 26 to October 3.

Indonesia's pace in the 2021 Sudirman Cup

In the last match of Group C at Energia Areena, Wednesday, September 29, Indonesia narrowly won from Denmark 3-2. Mixed Doubles, Praveen Jordan/Melati Daeva determined the victory with a score of 21-8 and 21-17 against Thyrri Mathias/Magelund Amalie. Before Praveen/Melati, Indonesia and Denmark were equally strong, 2-2.

Women's doubles gold winners at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Greysia Polii/Apriyani Rahayu contributed points in the game before Praveen/Melati. Another point for Indonesia's victory was contributed by the world's number one Men's Doubles, Marcus Fernaldi Gideon / Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo. In other matches, the Women's Singles, Kusuma Wardani and the Men's Singles, Anthony Sinisuka Ginting lost.

Victory over Denmark puts Indonesia as group winner. The Garuda squad recorded a hundred percent victory. Before Denmark, Indonesia crushed ROC 5-0 and beat Canada 3-2. The group winner position is in Indonesia's favor because it avoids the top standings from other groups: A, B, or D.

Until this article was compiled, no country has been confirmed to be Indonesia's opponent. The draw will take place on Thursday, September 30, one day before the Quarter Finals matches, Friday, October 1. The predictable possibilities are China or Thailand, representatives from Group A; South Korea/Taipei (Group B); or Japan/Malaysia (Group D).

Sudirman Cup History

Rudy Gunawan lifts the 1989 Sudirman Cup trophy at Istora Senayan, Jakarta. (Source: bwfbadminton.com)

Sudirman Cup is an international badminton championship that competes in Men's Singles, Women's Singles, Men's Doubles, Women's Doubles and Mixed Doubles. Held every two years, the Sudirman Cup is named after the late Indonesian badminton player, Dick Sudirman.

Dick Sudirman is the founder of PBSI who is also known as the Father of Indonesian Badminton. Sudirman Cup does not compete for money as a prize.

All players compete on behalf of the country to earn BWF ranking points. The first Sudirman Cup was held at Istora Senayan, Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta, May 24-29 1989.

In the inaugural title, Indonesia became the champion. That was the first and last time Indonesia won the Sudirman Cup.

In the Final, Indonesia beat South Korea with a score of 3-2. Since 1991, the Sudirman Cup has been rotated by two countries: South Korea and China.

South Korea recorded a history of champions in 1991, 1993, 2003 and 2017. While China won eleven titles in 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2015.

*Read other information about badminton or read other interesting articles from Yudhistira Mahabharata.

Other BERNAS