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View all search resultsThe nation thanks retiring Taufik
Taufik Hidayat was at the center stage at the Istora Senayan on Sunday, but he was not playing in the finals
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T
aufik Hidayat was at the center stage at the Istora Senayan on Sunday, but he was not playing in the finals. Instead, he was bidding his final farewell to badminton and his fans.
'It is the right time for me to retire from being an Indonesian badminton athlete,' Taufik said before the start of final matches.
He thanked supporters, parents, family and the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI).
Last goodbye: Taufik Hidayat bids farewell to badminton fans at the Istora Senayan on Sunday. The 2013 Djarum Indonesia Open was his last tournament as he decided to retire from the sport. JP/Wendra Ajistyatama 'This is an emotional moment for me. I don't know what I should say. Once again thank you very much,' he said, with tears in the eyes.
He bowed and waved goodbye to crowd, who might have expected Taufik to wave to them as a winner one more time in tournament he had won six times.
In fact, he exited in the opening round.
Sunday's farewell ceremony was arranged to see off the badminton legend, PBSI and the nation thanking him for his achievements.
During the touching moment, PBSI lauded Taufik as one of the country's best shuttlers for his services in making the nation proud.
'On behalf of PBSI and Indonesian people, we thank Taufik for his great work to Indonesian badminton on the world stage.
'There is no former champion. Once a champion will always be a champion, and there's no champion like Taufik,' PBSI chairman Gita Wiryawan said in his speech.
Taufik's winning achievements include the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens; the 2005 World Championships in Anaheim; 1998. 2002 and the 2006 Asian Games and the Thomas Cup in 2000 and 2002.
Gita said that the young legend had the potential to become a leader of the association.
'There is no single reason not to enlist him in the organization. But, we have to look into which position is suitable,' said Gita, who is also Trade Minister.
In the farewell ceremony witnessed by thousands of spectators, the crowd started to chant his name during the occasion highlighted by flashbacks of his milestones.
After 25 years growing up and achieving worldwide Prominence within the sport, teary-eyed Taufik said that it was the perfect time for him to retire.
'After my resignation, I hope that Indonesian badminton will improve and that young shuttlers can help
restore its greatness.
'I also hope that I've left a good legacy, which can be an example for them in reaching higher achievements in the future,' said the 31-year-old, who has established the Taufik Hidayat Arena badminton center.
In the ceremony, Taufik handed over one of 10 rackets he previously used to a young shuttler, Jonathan Christie ' who is a symbol of the nation's regeneration in men's singles.
Taufik also gave one of his national team's jerseys with his signature on it to PBSI as a souvenir.
