PBSI Holds Joint Prayers For Athletes To The 2024 Olympics

Badminton athletes in prayer together before the 2024 Paris Olympics (VOI/Cosmas Kopong Beda).

JAKARTA The Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) held a prayer together before releasing their athletes to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The event which invited leaders from six religions to lead the prayer was held in the multipurpose room of the PBSI Cipayung national training camp (Pelatnas), East Jakarta, on Thursday, July 11, 2024, evening.

Present on this occasion were the Chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (NOC Indonesia) Raja Sapta Oktohari, Chef de Mission (CdM) of the Indonesian Contingent Anindya Bakrie, the Daily Chair of PBSI Alex Tirta, and the Secretary General of PBSI Fadil Imran.

Okto, as Raja Sapta Oktohari is called, in his speech asked all athletes who are leaving for Paris not to be disturbed by the target even though badminton remains Indonesia's great hope.

"I have the same belief as the Indonesian people that badminton will give color. There is no doubt that from this place will come other gold," said Okto.

Meanwhile, Anindya said that he and his team would try their best to meet all the needs of athletes both on the trip, while in Paris, and return home.

"Badminton should be able to continue the tradition. I hope everyone can focus and don't have to think about anything," said the figure who also serves as the General Chair of Aquatic.

Badminton is one of the sports that is still seeded to get gold in Paris later. So far, the sport is the sole contributor to the gold medal for Indonesia at the Olympics.

Fadil said that athletes will definitely face tough challenges in pursuing their targets. However, he asked athletes not to be afraid to face the greatest challenges.

"Behind you, there is prayer and support from all Indonesian people. We have worked with one goal. Hopefully what we are doing today will provide peace and confidence," he said.

The 2024 Paris Olympics will take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024. Badminton sports will start competing from 27 July to 5 August 2024.

Badminton has a total of nine athletes who will compete in France later. They are Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, Gregoria Mariska Tunjung, Jonatan Christie, Fajar Alfian, Muhammad Rian Ardianto, Apriyani Rahayu, Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti, Rinov Rivaldy, and Pitha Haningtyas Mentari.