Minister Of Youth And Sports Orders Greysia/Apriyani To Play Carefree In The Tokyo Olympics Final

Greysia Polii/Apriyani Rahayu/ANTARA

JAKARTA Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Zainudin Amali advised Greysia Polii/Apriyani Rahayu to play relaxed and carefree during the final match of the Tokyo Olympics on Monday, August 2.

According to Zainudin, his party had also conveyed the message directly to Greysia Polii and Apriyani Rahayu during a video call with the two after winning the semifinal match against the South Korean pair Lee So-hee/Shin Seung-chan, Saturday, July 31.

“I said that there is no need to think about any burden. I don't give you a burden, but you play loose, you play well, just pretend you are playing at the National Training Center at their place in Cipayung," said Zainudin, quoted by Antara, Sunday, August 1. Olympic gold medal. According to him, the achievement of Greysia/Apriyani to be able to step up to the final is very proud.

Therefore, Menpora hopes that Greysia/Apriyani can appear as relaxed as possible without being burdened by having to win a gold medal.

"I said it was impossible, he (the athlete) thought this minister must cost gold, I said no. You have reached the final, I am already happy and surely the Indonesian people are proud of you," he said.

Indonesian badminton made new history through the appearance of the women's doubles Greysia Polii/Apriyani Rahayu who managed to win a ticket to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics final after defeating the fourth seed from South Korea Lee So-hee/Shin Seung-chan.

Greysia/Apriyani will play the final match on Monday (2/8) around 11.50 WIB against the world number two pair from China, Chen Qing Chen/Jia Yi Fan.

Based on BWF records, Greysia/Apriyani trailed 3-6 from their nine meetings with the pair from the Bamboo Curtain country.