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Gresia “Greys” Polli enters retirement, BNI ready to assist young badminton stars
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BNI corporate communication vice president Selly Adritika and badminton champion Greysia “Greys” Polli (center) with young badminton athletes in a symbolic transfer of power from BNI legitimizing the coaching hands of PB Jaya Raya and Eng Hian Badminton Academy in Jakarta, on May 12. BNI is committed to supporting the development of young badminton players for future global achievements. (Photo: BNI Documents)
R
etirement is usually an extraordinarily difficult transition for badminton stars. They have spent thousands of days training and making numerous achievements over the years before suddenly giving it all up.
This is the transition that will soon be experienced by 2020 Summer Olympic champion Greysia “Greys” Polli, who is retiring. As an award for her services, PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk or BNI (stock code: BBNI) and the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) worked to organize a testimonial day for Greys.
On the same occasion, BNI also invited young badminton athletes to the event on May 12 in Jakarta. The athletes were part of the two major clubs that helped advance Greys’ career, namely Jaya Raya badminton association (PB Jaya Raya) and Eng Hian Badminton Academy. BNI corporate communication vice president Selly Adritika was present to symbolically hand over coaching funds to the young badminton players of both clubs.
Selly said that PB Jaya Raya and Eng Hian Badminton Academy play an instrumental role in training future international champions like Greys. She hopes that with BNI’s assistance more young athletes will come forward to fill the Olympian’s shoes.
“Before Greysia Polli became as big as she is today and scored international ins in various competitions, she went through a series of challenges with both clubs. We invite everybody to remember the services of athletes who have made Indonesia proud on the world stage,” she said.
Together with fellow badminton player Apriyani Rahayu, the Minahasan athlete won a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, setting a record for Indonesia in the history of the Olympics.
Selly continued by saying that BNI is committed to supporting the development of sports in Indonesia and to continue nurturing future international champions from home. “BNI is very grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to the growth of badminton in Indonesia, which has always had a record of worldwide achievement,” she said.
A heartwarming moment
On the testimonial day, PBSI general chairperson Agung Firman Sampurna expressed his appreciation for the support various stakeholders have given throughout the career of all athletes until their retirement.
“We thank the supporters in attendance, as well as fellow athletes and officials. We also thank all parties including BNI who have been a great support in helping these athletes achieve global recognition,” he said.
According to Agung, BNI’s move to assist the two badminton clubs that trained Greysia Polli is the right step. “We are waiting for the next Greysia Polli to make their appearance so we can expect more international achievements in the future,” he added.
He said every Indonesian person must feel the same as PBSI’s administrators. Together with Greys, the Indonesian badminton team struggled through a variety of tournaments before achieving global recognition.
“Greysia’s retirement from her career as a badminton athlete is an extraordinary and touching moment. Together, we are sending away an athlete that we are proud of and love,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Youth and Sports Minister Zainudin Amali said that Greys is not about to leave the world of badminton just yet. After all, her entire life has revolved around rackets, shuttlecocks and various badminton equipment. Instead, she will continue her career at the Youth and Sports Ministry.
“As per President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo’s direction, every outstanding athlete is given the opportunity to become part of the Youth and Sports Ministry,” he concluded.
