Ricky Soebagdja's Praise And Hope For Young Badminton Athletes Indonesia

Meilysa Trias Puspitasari/Rachel Allessya Rose (ANTARA/Arnidhya Nur Zhafira/aa)

JAKARTA - Former Indonesia's flagship badminton player, Ricky Soebagdja is optimistic about the potential of young Indonesian athletes. The team manager as well as the Head of PP PBSI's Development and Achievement hopes that players who debut in the 2024 Thomas-Uber Cup can get valuable experience.

This follows the appearance of a number of debutants in the team event which was held in Chengdu, China, this. Like some of them are the men's singles, Alwi Farhan, to the women's doubles Meilysa Trias Puspitasari/Rachel Alllessya Rose, who performed well in the first match of the group phase, Saturday (27/4).

Meanwhile, Alwi himself became the third men's singles when he faced British representatives Cholan Kayan 21-15, 21-12. According to Ricky, Alwi showed quite good mental strength in his inaugural match in this Thomas Cup.

"Alwi with yesterday's performance was quite good, I think. I see his ability to overcome anxiety, nervousness in the field in a team event like this," Ricky said as quoted by ANTARA.

He is also very comfortable controlling the game even though there are still many things that need to be evaluated for his shortcomings. But with very young age, something extraordinary he managed to take advantage of the opportunity he was given. This is a good first step to increase self-confidence going forward," he added.

Besides Alwi, Ricky also highlighted Meilysa/Rachel's appearance when defeating the Hong Kong pair ranked 45th in the world, Lui Lok Lok/Ng Wing Yung.

Rachel (born 2004) and Trias (born in 2004) who are currently ranked 34th in the world have won the rubber game 21-16, 20-22, 21-18 as well as contributed the fourth point from the Indonesian Uber team's 5-0 victory.

They are very extraordinary in bringing out all their abilities to win the game. It's not easy for young players to appear in a team event like this but they managed to get out of the pressure. Although there are still notes that must be immediately recorded by the evaluation team, "explained Ricky.

The Uber Indonesia team is mostly filled with young players. PBSI also sent Komang Ayu Cahya Dewi (born in 2002), Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo (born in 2004) and Ruzana (born in 2005) to collaborate with senior players such as Gregoria Mariska Tunjung and Apriyani Rahayu.

"PBSI always provides a place for talented young players and has the potential to fill the Thomas and Uber teams. The goal is to provide flight hours and experience for them as provision in the future," said Ricky.