A Number Of 2021 IBF Participants Invite Their Families To Stay In The Bubble, Releasing Their Longing After 2 Months Of Competing In Europe

Indonesian men's doubles badminton player Hendra Setiawan is enjoying free time with his children ahead of the 2021 Indonesia Masters tournament (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - At the biggest badminton event in the country, titled the Indonesia Badminton Festival (IBF) 2021, a number of athletes were seen inviting their families to stay in the bubble tournament system that took place in Nusa Dua, Bali.

Launching Antara, the badminton players who invited their partner and child to stay in the bubble included Viktor Axelsen from Denmark, as well as national athletes such as men's doubles Hendra Setiawan, Mohammad Ahsan, and Marcus Fernaldi Gideon.

According to Ahsan, his decision to take his wife, children and babysitter to Nusa Dua was nothing but a medium to release his longing after two months of competing in European tournaments since September.

"Previously, we haven't seen each other for a long time, so it's a time to let go of missing family. Maybe if we don't invite them, we can't see them for a long time," Ahsan said when met in Nusa Dua Bali, Friday.

In addition to letting go, family participation can also be an encouragement during matches in two or three tournaments in Bali.

Regarding the bubble system which requires all participants and guests not to come into contact with the outside environment, Hendra/Ahsan said that their family had no problem with the regulation.

"When it comes to participating in the 'bubble', I think that's fine, so they can feel the atmosphere of the bubble," said Ahsan, which was followed by laughter.

Hendra also added, even though they live together in the 2021 IBF bubble for at least the next two weeks, it is certain that their family members will not feel bored because there are many entertainment facilities that can be used, such as film studios, swimming pools, hotel beach areas to craft activities.

He also compared it with the bubble system that he had followed so far. According to Hendra, the 2021 IBF bubble is tighter than when competing in European tournaments.

While in European tournaments, tournament participants can still go out of the hotel to look for food or for a moment to get some fresh air but by still implementing health protocols.

However, the heaviest bubble occurred in Thailand in January 2021, as all participants were not allowed to leave the hotel room during the one week isolation period.

"In Thailand it's really a 'bubble', there we are not allowed to leave the room for one week. Food is also delivered, we are just in the room. We can't practice either, if there is an area for practice so we can still leave the room make practice," concluded Hendra.