Responding To Greysia Polii's Retirement Plan, Eng Hian: The License Is With The Husband

Eng Hian (left) celebrating Greysi/Apriyani's victory at the Tokyo Olympics (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Indonesia's women's doubles head coach Eng Hian responded to Greysia Polii's retirement plan which resurfaced after she won the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with Apriyani Rahayu.

Winning the Olympic gold has led to speculation that Greysia will hang up her racket, given her young age of 34 and her married status.

Eng Hian also realized that he no longer had the authority to detain Greysia to remain at the PBSI National Training Center. Because, after getting married last year, the decision regarding Greysia's future is now in the hands of her husband, Felix Djimin.

“Before, I had the license. Now you are married, so the license is with your husband," said Eng Hian at a virtual press conference, Thursday, as reported by Antara.

However, he divulged the future of Greysia which is predicted to remain in play at least until the end of this year.

"Greysia will still play and may still play until the end of the year," he added.

There are several major tournaments being held until the end of this year. Greysia/Apriyani are certain to compete in the team championships, namely the 2021 Sudirman Cup and 2020 Uber Cup.

The Sudirman Cup will take place in Vantaa, Finland from September 26 to October 3, followed by the Thomas and Uber Cup 2020 which has been postponed twice to be held in Aarhus, Denmark from October 9-17.

Not only that, Greysia also still has the ambition to fulfill her title by winning the 2021 World Championship.

Meanwhile, Greysia had previously said that she was still waiting for the right time to announce her decision to retire from her career as a badminton player to continue her next life.

“In life there are seasons where we have to know when to stop and move on with another life. So I can't say when it's time (to retire)," said Greysia some time ago.