Indonesia Finally Gets A Medal At The Paris Olympics, Puan: Alhamdulillah, Egg Breaks

Indonesian women's singles badminton player, Gregoria Mariska (red jersey). (X @INABadminton)

JAKARTA - DPR Speaker Puan Maharani congratulated Gregoria Mariska for winning a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The bronze will be Indonesia's first medal during the Paris Olympics and hopefully it will continue.

"Alhamdulillah, egg bursts. Congratulations Gregoria Mariska, thank you for the struggle to present the first medal for Indonesia," said Puan, Monday, August 5.

Gregoria Mariska Tunjung won bronze after finishing third in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Gregoria Mariska Tunjung was declared victorious without competing in third place as Carolina Marin was unable to play due to her injury.

Even so, Puan still said that Gregoria's achievements were extraordinary.

"Although the match was not very smooth and the main opponent, Carolina Marin, was injured, Gregoria still showed extraordinary skills and enthusiasm," explained the 2018 Asian Games Supervisory Board.

"This victory is not a personal victory but also a victory for all Indonesian people," added Puan.

The medal contributed by Gregoria Mariska is still the only Indonesian medal in badminton at this Olympics. The medal also ended the 16-year medal fast from the women's singles event which was last obtained by Maria Kristin.

On the other hand, Indonesia's badminton achievements at the Paris Olympics have received attention. The reason is, there are no medals from the men's singles, men's doubles, mixed doubles, and women's doubles.

Even though all this time badminton has become Indonesia's mainstay in the Olympics to win medals. Even badminton became the foundation of Indonesia, to win medals since the 1992 Olympics where badminton only missed a medal at the 2012 Olympics in London.

Puan also encouraged evaluations, especially for the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI).

"Although badminton is the first sport to donate medals, on the one hand, badminton must have a total internal evaluation so that there will be improvements in the future," he said.

"The government must also pay attention, not because it is considered superior badminton, so we are complacent. Assistance must also be maximized," continued Puan.

Puan hopes that Gregoria's medal can be a motivation for all athletes who will still compete in the Paris Olympics. In particular, said Puan, in weightlifting and rock climbing, which is also Indonesia's flagship.

"Hopefully the medal we get will increase the motivation and enthusiasm of weightlifting and rock climbing that will compete. INDONESIA CAN!!" he said.

"Show the world, Indonesian Garuda-garuda can fly high with victory. Raise the Red and White flag and play the anthem Indonesia Raya again," concluded Puan.