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Tontowi/Liliyana’s gold medal “biggest gift” on Independence Day: Lawmaker
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Indonesia's Liliyana Natsir (left) and Tontowi Ahmad celebrate after winning the gold medal in badminton mixed doubles at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday. They defeated Malaysia's Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
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ndonesians are proud that the red-and-white flag is flying high following Indonesian mixed doubles pair Tontowi Ahmad and Liliyana Natsir’s gold medal win at the Rio Olympics, late on Wednesday.
“Tontowi and Liliyana have presented the loveliest gift for all Indonesians celebrating the country’s 71st Independence Day,” said Teuku Riefky Harsya, who heads House of Representatives Commission X, which oversees education, youth, sports, tourism, arts and cultural affairs.
He further said, “Commission X wants to express its gratitude and say thank you to Tontowi and Liliyana, who have managed to continue the golden record of Indonesia’s sporting achievements.”
Tontowi/Liliyana’s gold medal win followed silver medal wins by weightlifters Eko Yulianto and Sri Wahyuni, in the 62-kilogram and 48kg weight classes, respectively.
“Specifically for Eko and Sri, we admire their struggle to maintain the tradition of our weightlifters to bring home medals from the Olympics arena,” said Riefky, who is also a Democratic Party politician.
“It has been proven that the solidity and professionalism of all officials and trainers at the Indonesian Badminton Association [PBSI] and the Indonesian Weightlifting, Powerlifting and Bodybuilding Association [PABBSI] were essential to their success,” the lawmaker said, adding that he hoped other sports associations would take note. (ebf)
