KOI Called Pandemic Not An Obstacle For Badminton To Win Olympic Medals

Illustration: Indonesian men's doubles badminton players Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) Raja Sapta Oktohari on his visit to the PBSI National Training Center said that the pandemic is not an obstacle for the badminton national team to bring home the Tokyo Olympic medal again.

He understands that competing in the midst of a pandemic is not an easy thing, but thanks to his experience at the previous Olympics, he is optimistic that the badminton national team will make another achievement.

"We have a lot of memories with badminton at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Earlier I spoke with 'coach' Richard (Mainaky) when in Brazil there was the Zika virus we could get one gold. Now we have COVID-19, hopefully, we can get two gold," Okto said through a written statement from PP PBSI which was reported by Antara, Tuesday night.

Although experiencing limitations, the former CdM Rio 2016 Olympics believes that the Indonesian contingent can fight maximally in every match.

The pandemic is a challenge in itself, therefore in addition to increasing exercise in limited situations, athletes must also prioritize health protocols.

"It's useless to be good, but when they want to leave, they are positive. Miss all opportunities. Don't be careless. I hope and pray for these athletes to have maximum performance, be healthy, strong and will eventually become champions for Indonesia," said Okto.

On the same occasion, the Chairperson of the Indonesian Contingent (CdM) Rosan Roeslani said that coordination between elements would continue to be improved to achieve maximum results in the Olympics.

"Of course, we hope that all of us can achieve optimal results, but to achieve that we must go through a process that is really executed properly," said Ruslan.

"I and the NOC chairman see that their readiness is in the right direction. What must be ensured is that the health protocol is maintained. We will continue to monitor so that athletes can perform optimally," said Ruslan.