Patience That Finally Pays Off, Sweet History For Indonesian Badminton, Greysia: It Takes Commitment To Achieve Dreams

Greysia Polii (Photo: Antara))

JAKARTA - Greysia Polii's patience paid off after she and Apriyani Rahayu succeeded in becoming the first women's doubles to make history in Indonesian badminton to complete the collection of Olympic gold medals from all sectors.

Prior to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Indonesian women's doubles were the only sector that had never contributed a medal.

Greysia Polii was aware of that. But he admits that he has been determined to make history since he was 13 years old.

“Twenty years ago when I was 13 years old, I knew Indonesia had not made history in women's doubles and I was patient. And I know I was born to be a badminton player and I believed at the age of 13 that I wanted to make history", said Greysia after the match, as quoted by Antara from the BWF website, Monday, August 2.

Greysia does not deny that China and South Korea are far ahead for the women's doubles sector. But the 33-year-old woman did not want to give up. After failing at the 2012 London and Rio 2016 Olympics, Greysia rose with her current tandem Apriyani Rahayu.

“When people say 'You won't make it because Indonesia has no history in women's doubles.' Of course, China and South Korea are very strong, but I remain patient and committed", she said.

“It takes a commitment to achieve a dream, to reach gold. And here we are now. My family told me not to give up, don't stop", she added.

Evidently, Greysia Polii's patience finally bore gold ink as well as completing the list of Indonesian gold medalists for all sectors since badminton first competed at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

With this achievement, Indonesia is now in line with China, which already has a collection of Olympic gold from all sectors.