Rehan/Lisa Gold Medal Target, So Burden Or Encouraging?

Rehan Naufal Kusharjanto/Lisa Ayu Kusumawati. (Photo: Twitter @INABadminton)

JAKARTA - Rehan Naufal Kusharjanto/Lisa Ayu Kusumawati became the focus of Indonesia in pursuing the 2023 SEA Games gold medal. This mixed doubles ranked 10 in the world is required to perform optimally to be able to present pride for the Red and White.

This target could be a mental burden for Rehan/Lisa. However, if it can be a trigger, it is not impossible that the gold medal target can be achieved.

Even though she didn't think about the gold target, Lisa made sure she would bring out the best game.

"We don't think too much about it, the important thing is that the game goes out and we are sure that it can, don't be too burdened," Lisa said in a statement in Jakarta, Saturday.

Meanwhile, Rehan is more tactical in the Southeast Asia regional agenda which will take place on May 5-17.

According to Rehan, although he only played in regional-scale matches, he believes that all badminton players from other countries also have the desire to win gold medals.

In addition, the opponents who were deployed were also the second or even third layers who could play more comfortably and without burdens.

"But we know that the opponent is not easy, the opponent must also practice. Even though the SEA Games are also not one layer, even two, there are three layers. But they must be more enjoyable," Rehan said.

Maintaining focus is an obligation that must be carried out by Rehan/Lisa in Cambodia. They predict that potential opponents have more enthusiasm to face the Indonesian duo.

"Sometimes if the opponent is below (the level), they want 'Wow, meet Rehan/Lisa, just play freely'. Surely they think that's the way they play, so they can come out and let go. We don't want to be nervous with their opponents," said Rehan.

Therefore, Rehan also agreed with his co-stars to play freely and without burden. Rehan/Lisa will try hard to donate a gold medal for the Indonesian contingent in Cambodia.

"We are targeted for gold, we also definitely want gold, right. So from there we want to do our best, take out the best. It's just a matter of winning, just leave it to the one above," concluded Rehan.