JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) Raja Sapta Oktohari admitted that he was amazed by the implementation of the 2021 Indonesia Badminton Festival (IBF) which took place according to health protocols, but still provided comfort for participants.
"I am amazed to see PBSI friends hold this extraordinary event in the midst of a pandemic. I have discussed with athletes and they claim to enjoy the bubble," said Okto, his nickname, during a visit to Nusa Dua, Bali, which is the location of the tournament, Wednesday.
During his short visit, Okto appreciated the event featuring three international-class badminton tournaments, which he said proved that Indonesia was capable of hosting a prestigious sporting competition.
KOI assesses that the bubble system used by the 2021 IBF committee has advantages compared to the Tokyo Olympics, which is the largest multi-sport event in the world. The IBF bubble in Nusa Dua has a more comfortable feel so athletes feel like they are on vacation.
"Athletes can feel comfortable here, even though they have been in Bali for almost a month but they don't feel like they are in the bubble because they can still go to the beach, enjoy entertainment and sports facilities. Everything is prepared very well, even without spectators, but athletes can enjoy the match," said Okto.
This indulgent facility was also used by a number of well-known athletes to invite their families to visit and stay in the bubble from the beginning to the end of the tournament.
From Indonesia, there were Hendra Setiawan, Mohammad Ahsan, Marcus Fernaldi Gideon to Greysia Polii who came with their spouses and children, while from abroad, Viktor Axelsen from Denmark and Yuta Watanabe from Japan became a handful of badminton players who competed with their families.
According to Ahsan, his decision to take his wife, children and babysitter to Nusa Dua was nothing but a way to release his longing after almost 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 miss our family. Maybe if we don't invite them, we can't see them for a long time," said Ahsan.
In addition to letting go of longing, family participation can also be an encouragement during the match at IBF Bali.
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