Losing 0-3 To China In The Final, Indonesia's Uber Cup Team Only Wins Second Place

Indonesian women's singles, Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo when facing Chinese player He Bing Jiao in the 2024 Uber Cup final in Chengdu, China, Sunday (5/5/2024). (Between/Galih Pradipta)

JAKARTA - After 16 years of waiting, finally the Indonesian women's badminton team brought home a medal after reaching the 2024 Uber Cup final at the Chengdu Hi Tech Zone Sports Center Gymnasium, Chengdu, China, Sunday.

The team, led by women's doubles player Apriyani Rahayu, returned with a runner-up title and silver medal after losing 0-3 to the home team.

For women's singles Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo, the experience of competing in the top party as one of the determinants of Indonesia's victory is very proud.

"When I was a cheerful team at the Thomas Cup in Aarhus, of course I imagined, what kind, yes, could I play in such a final round? And Praise God our Uber Indonesia Team, in 2024, can play in the final. Of course there is a feeling of joy and pride," said Ester, quoted by Antara.

Furthermore, the younger brother of Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo's men's singles said he learned a lot from his participation in this prestigious team badminton event.

"I learned a lot, especially about how I can face critical points, my mentality is also honed," said Ester.

"However, I feel there is still a feeling to have to improve in the future," he added.

Meanwhile, Ester had to admit the superiority of the representative of Tumah He Bing Jao through a rubber game that was tight 10-21, 21-15, 17-21 within 68 minutes.

Regarding the course of the match, Ester admitted that she had given her maximum resistance to extend Indonesia's breath in the 2024 Uber Cup final.

Even though it hasn't worked yet, I feel my game is quite good today. He Bing Jao is not an easy player (to overcome)," said Ester.

"Since yesterday I have discussed with the coach to overcome him, but I felt that I was quite good and was able to get out of my game today," he added.

Despite being under tremendous pressure due to the hosts' overwhelming support in the arena, Ester said support from the Indonesian team behind her back provided more motivation to win.

"Win, the atmosphere inside (the title) for China (players), but the support from the supporters behind is no less great and makes me more enthusiastic," said Ester.

Despite leaving as runner-up, this is the 11th time Indonesia has appeared in the Uber Cup finals, and is the second country to collect a finalist title after China with 20 appearances.

In the Uber Cup, a combination of senior players and young players graced the Red-White team. In the singles number Gregoria Mariska Tunjung, Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo, Komang Ayu Cahya Dewi and Ruzana became the mainstay.

While in doubles, Apriyani Rahayu, Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti, Ribka Sugiarto, Lanny Tria Mayasari, Rachel Alllessya Rose and Meilysa Trias Puspitasari.