T
he Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) has announced the names of 20 Indonesian athletes –12 male and eight female shuttlers – who will join the national team for this year’s Sudirman Cup in Nanning, China, from May 19 to 26.
Asian Games gold medalist Jonatan “Jojo” Christie will represent the country in men's singles alongside Anthony Sinisuka Ginting and Shesar Hiren Rhustavito. World number one pair Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo and Marcus Fernaldi Gideon, dubbed the "Minions" due to their small stature, will compete in men's doubles, as will Hendra Setiawan, Mohammad Ahsan, Fajar Alfian, Muhammad Rian Ardianto, Tontowi Ahmad, Praveen Jordan and Hafiz Faizal.
On the women's side, Indonesia will send Gregoria Mariska Tunjung, Fitriani, Greysia Polii, Apriyani Rahayu, Ni Ketut Mahadewi Istarani, Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja, Melati Daeva Oktavianti and Winny Oktavina Kandow to the prestigious sporting event.
Greysia and Apriyani will compete in women’s doubles, with Ni Ketut Mahadewi Istarani likely to sit as a reserve player.
Team manager Susy Susanti said she was confident that the national team could emerge victorious.
“We settled on the current formation after thoroughly considering what our team really needs. We decided to front-load the male side since it is more likely to score more points,” Susy said in a statement.
Indonesia won the coveted trophy – named after Dick Sudirman, PBSI founder and chairman for 22 years – in 1989 at its maiden event. Since then, China has won 10 times while South Korea has won four times. (rfa)