Thousands of supporters applauded badminton player Liliyana Natsir, who won a gold medal with her partner Tontowi Yahya in mixed doubles at the 2016 Olympics Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during a victory parade in her hometown of Manado, North Sulawesi, on Monday.
housands of supporters applauded badminton player Liliyana Natsir, who won a gold medal with her partner Tontowi Yahya in mixed doubles at the 2016 Olympics Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during a victory parade in her hometown of Manado, North Sulawesi, on Monday.
Liliyana, who is also known by her nickname "Butet", arrived at Sam Ratulangi Airport with her mom Olly Maramis. Liliyana is scheduled to attend several events in Manado.
“Butet has not returned to her hometown in Manado for years,” said Liliyana’s father, Benno. A gathering is scheduled for Tuesday to express thanks to God for Liliyana’s victory in Rio.
Speaking to The Jakarta Post, Benno said Liliyana was the pride of the family. “I’m proud of my daughter. Moreover, she managed to present a gold medal, a precious gift, for the 71st anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence Day,” he said.
Hundreds of athletes and officials from the North Sulawesi-chapter of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) and the Student Sports Education and Training Center (PPLP), alongside journalists and supporters, enthusiastically waited for Liliyana at the airport’s arrival gate on Monday.
The 30-year-old badminton player was warmly welcomed with a parade, which started from the airport and ended at North Sulawesi Governor Olly Dondokambey’s office. During a lunch reception hosted by the governor, Liliyana received the key to a luxury house presented by the provincial administration as a gift for her victory.
“It’s a bonus for Butet,” North Sulawesi Youth and Sports Agency chief Mecky Onibala said. Liliyana is scheduled to return back to Jakarta on Wednesday. (ebf)
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