Joko Optimistic of Indonesia's Chances in Thomas-Uber Cup
Jakarta. President Joko Widodo expressed his optimism that Indonesia's Thomas Cup and Uber Cup teams would win the competitions slated for May 15-22 in Kunshan, China.
"Congratulations to the men's and women's teams that qualified for the final round of the Thomas and Uber Cups in China. I believe all players will be able to restore Indonesia's reign in the global badminton arena," Joko said during a meeting with the teams at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday (10/05).
Indonesia won the Uber Cup in 1996 and the Thomas Cup in 2002.
The president also called on the athletes to keep up their fighting spirit and to compete as a team.
"I have a feeling we will win," Joko said amid applause.
Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) chairman Gita Wirjawan also asked the president and the public's support and prayers for the team in order to give their best performance in the competition.
The Indonesian teams will depart for China on Wednesday.
The Thomas Cup team is comprised of men's singles players Tommy Sugiarto, Ihsan Maulana Mustafa, Anthony Sinisuka Ginting and Jonatan Christie; men's doubles players Hendra Setiawan/Mohammad Ahsan, Angga Pratama/Ricky Karanda Suwardi and Rian Agung Saputro/Berry Angriawan.
The Uber Cup team consists of women's singles players Maria Febe Kusumastuti, Linda Wenifanetri, Fitriani and Gregoria Mariska Tunjung; along with women's doubles players Greysia Polii/Nitya Krishinda Maheswari, Anggia Shitta Awanda/Ni Ketut Mahadewi Istarani and Della Destiara Haris/Rosyita Eka Putri Sari.
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