Mental Problems Make Badminton Appear Minor At The 2024 Olympics

Men's singles athlete Anthony Sinisuka Ginting (doc. PBSI/Badmintonphoto/Yohan Nonotte).

JAKARTA The problem of mentality is considered to be the main cause of many Indonesian representatives from badminton (sports) who have fallen at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The head of the PBSI Development and Achievement Bindang, Ricky Soebagdja, said that the Olympic atmosphere was indeed much different from other tournaments. Therefore, the burden and great pressure will be felt by all athletes.

"So, who is mentally prepared and can overcome fear, nervousness, and stage fever, that will win. Speaking of skills and technicalities everything is the same," he said.

So far, Indonesia has lost four representatives from badminton. Their journey all stopped in the group stage.

The four representatives who ran aground were men's singles Jonatan Christie and Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, mixed doubles Rinov Rivaldy/Pitha Haningtyas Mentari, as well as women's doubles Apriyani Rahayu/Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti.

Ricky said that this mental problem could be reflected when world top athletes shed their victory euphoria so expressively even though it was only the early stages.

"This is not just a win to the opponent, but a victory over their own thoughts. That's what makes the difference," he said.

Ricky also specifically highlighted Anthony Sinisuka Ginting's appearance against Mr. Toma Junior Popov in the group's last match.

He said Ginting had made preparations so carefully, but during the match he did not bring out all the best abilities he had.

"Indeed, his opponent, Toma Popov with the support of the host supporters also performed very well. It seemed like there was no gap," he said.

"However, unfortunately Ginting did not manage to overcome it because with the level, things like this can be passed and there are several opportunities to outperform the opponent," said Ricky.

The minor appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics seems to be an affirmation that the decline in performance is still ongoing.

Before appearing in France, Indonesian badminton had been highlighted. At its peak, the Red-White Team without a title at home, Indonesia Open 2024.

This year's prestigious title is only All England, where Jonatan Christie and doubles Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto won.

If you only talk about athletes who qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics, only Rinov Rivaldy / Pitha Haningtyas will win the title, namely at the 2024 Spain Masters.

The rest were won by badminton players who did not appear in the 2024 Olympics. Call it Leo Rolly Carnando/Daniel Marthin (Indonesia Masters 2024), Sabar Karyaman/Muhamad Reza Pahlevi (Spain Masters 2024), Lanny Tria Mayasari/Ribka Sugiarto (Swiss Open 2024), Meilysa Trias Puspita/Rachel Alllessya Rose (Orleans Masters 2024).

In fact, Indonesia must return to fasting for the Thomas & Uber Cup team title. In this year's edition, the Red and White only won runners-up in the men's and women's team tournaments.

The last time Indonesia won the Thomas Cup was in the 2020 edition. Uber Cup is much longer, Indonesia has fasted for the title for 28 years.

Indonesia still has hope through Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto and Gregoria Mariska Tunjung.

The two remaining representatives will be the focus of proof that the Indonesian badminton clashes will rise at the 2024 Paris Olympics, not empty dreams.