The Indonesian men’s and women’s badminton teams confirmed that they were ready to fight in their first match, namely the group phase qualifiers, which will be held at the Chengdu Hi Tech Zone Sports Center Gymnasium, China, today, Saturday (27/4).
“So far, until the last training before tomorrow’s match starts, we are grateful that everyone has carried out the training program well. I advise you to continue to maintain your condition and health,” said the team manager and Head of Development and Achievement Division of PP PBSI Ricky Soebagdja in an official statement, Friday (26/4).
“In terms of readiness, all athletes are ready to compete,” he stressed.
X @INABadminton—Indonesian Thomas Cup Team
The Indonesian Thomas Cup team will start their struggle in Group C against England, while the Uber Cup team will meet Hong Kong.
Also read: This is the Indonesian squad for the 2024 Thomas and Uber Cup
On paper, the strength of the two Indonesian teams is superior, however, Ricky reminded them not to underestimate their opponents.
Furthermore, the players who will be fielded in the first match will certainly be players who are very well prepared, both technically and non-technically.
X @INABadminton—Indonesian Uber Cup Team
Also read: Indonesia is ready to fight in the first match of the Thomas and Uber Cup
“Of course the selection is based on who is most prepared technically and non-technically, we will also calculate meeting records and other needs,” said Ricky.
“Whoever comes out tomorrow is the best,” he added.
The gold medalist at the 1996 Athens Olympics also reminded him of his solidarity to overcome the tough challenges of the first match.
Also read: Hendra and Nita Appointed as Team Captains for Thomas and Uber Indonesia
“Because this is a team tournament, teamwork must be solid, whoever is fielded must have full support from everyone,” said Ricky.
Meanwhile, the captains of the Indonesian men’s and women’s teams, Fajar Alfian and Apriyani Rahayu, assured their colleagues to maintain unity.
“In my opinion, the Indonesian Thomas Cup team has a good chance of winning again. With cooperation and unity, I think there is a chance. Both in singles and doubles, our strengths are evenly distributed. We are ready to fight whoever is chosen to play,” said Fajar.
“We, on the Uber team, will give our best against Hong Kong tomorrow. We will use all the abilities we have,” said Apri.
On the other hand, the 2024 Paris Olympic ad hoc team psychologist coordinator, Lilik Sudarwati, said that it was also important for the players to prepare mental factors for this team event.
“So, from our team of psychologists, we try to instill positive energy to increase team cohesion. We also prepare the children to appear more relaxed. First singles, first doubles, second singles and so on have the same burden and have an equally important role too,” Lilik explained.
“Apart from that, all team members, including athletes, coaches and support teams, also contribute to becoming a large team unit. This environment is what we are trying to create,” he concluded. (Ant/Z-1)
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