The First Experience Of Appearing In BATC Makes A Number Of Young Players Tense

Bilqis Prasista (PBSI)

JAKARTA — The first experience of appearing in the 2022 Asian Team Badminton Championships (BATC) made a number of players admit that they were tense. However, they are still optimistic that they can maximize and contribute points for the Indonesian team.

The Indonesian badminton team is scheduled to perform at BATC on February 15-20, at the Setia City Convention Center, Selangor, Malaysia. Of the 20 players sent to the event, most were new players and had no experience playing in the senior team team championship.

Muhammad Shohibul Fikri, Yonathan Ramlie, Febriana Dwi Puji Kusuma, Saifi Rizka Nurhidayah, Amalia Cahaya Pratiwi, and Lanny Tria Mayasari, were among the new names appearing in the team championship. They also admitted that they were a little afraid, but were still prepared if they were given the trust to appear.

"I was afraid because this was my first time joining the BATC team, but I was quite confident because I felt that the preparation was quite good. Despite the quarantine, there is still a training program from the coach," said Yonathan.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Shohibul Fikri admitted that he was proud to be a part of one of the important championships. This will be a new experience and learning for him for the next match to come.

"I am very happy and proud to have the opportunity to participate in this team competition. This can be a new experience and a new lesson for the future," he said.

"The preparations are sufficient. From before leaving, we have all practiced maximally. Even at this time of isolation, we continue to carry out exercises led by physical trainers so that the condition of the body does not go down too much. Hopefully everyone is always healthy and fit," he added.

The women's doubles specialist, Febriana, also conveyed a sense of pleasure. With the preparations that have been carried out, he admitted that he is very ready to compete and give points for the Indonesian national team in the championship which is the qualifier for the Thomas and Uber Cups.

"Of course I want to play as much as possible and want to contribute points for the team. Moreover, the preparation is quite good," said Ana, Febriana's nickname.

Lanny Tria Mayasari, who will play in the doubles sector, said that she could hardly believe she could enter the team for the team championship.

"Of course there is a feeling of joy too. It means that the coach has trusted me. Only I have to be able to prove it. However, there is also a feeling of fear, because this is the first time playing in the senior group team," he said.

In addition to sending the names above, the national badminton parent (PBSI) also sent several names who already have experience appearing in team championships. Among them are Daniel Martin, Leo Rolly Carnando, Gregoria Mariska Tunjung, and Putri Kusuma Wardani at the 2020 Thomas and Uber Cup in Denmark.

Indonesia came as the defending champion in the men's sector of the tournament which was the qualification for the Thomas and Uber Cups. Not only the defending champion, the Indonesian men's team is also the champion in the last three editions.

In the 2020 edition, the Indonesian men's team came out as champions after defeating Malaysia. The Red and White Team won with a landslide score of 3-1, in the final match which took place at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Philippines.