Jakarta (ANTARA) - The ad hoc team manager of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI), Armand Darmadji, has said that he believes self-confidence is crucial for Indonesian badminton athletes to excel at the 2024 Paris Olympics.With rigorous preparation and unwavering support, the athletes are expected to showcase their best abilities on the grand stage.
"I urge all of you to believe in your capabilities. You've undergone extensive training and possess valuable experience. Now is the time to demonstrate your skills," he added on Friday.
The athletes' self-assurance has been significantly enhanced following a nine-day training camp in Chambly, France. Supported by a team of psychologists and mentors, they are poised to conquer any challenges at the Olympics.
"We all anticipate that the athletes' two-week training will translate into exceptional on-court performance," Armand said.
The Indonesian badminton team is determined to maintain its tradition of winning gold medals at the upcoming Olympics in Paris.
Badminton is the sport in which Indonesia has consistently won Olympic gold. Susi Susanti, Alan Budikusuma, Rexy Mainaky/Ricky Subagja, Tony Gunawan/Candra Wijaya, Taufik Hidayat, Markis Kido/Hendra Setiawan, Tontowi Ahmad/Liliyana Natsir, and Greysia Polii/Apriyani Rahayu are badminton athletes who have won gold for the country at the Olympics.
Indonesian women's doubles pair Apriyani Rahayu and Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti have intensified their focus and strategy to confront Japan's Mayu Matsumoto and Wakana Nagahara in their opening match at the 2024 Olympics group stage on Saturday (July 27, 2024).
"We've meticulously analyzed our opponents' gameplay, especially tomorrow's match against the Japanese pair. While we hold a winning record against them, every encounter is challenging," Fadia said.
"Maintaining concentration and executing our game plan will be crucial," she added.
Apri concurred, saying that the Olympic atmosphere is palpable within the Paris Olympic Athletes' Village. The opportunity to interact with world-class athletes from various nations has been inspiring.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medalist expressed her determination to perform optimally as Indonesia's first competitor on Saturday.
"From the initial stages to the training camp, culminating in our arrival a week before the competition, the training regimen has undergone significant adjustments. Thankfully, we feel well-prepared," she said.
"I haven't provided any specific guidance to Fadia. I trust in her ability to deliver her best performance in her Olympic debut," she added.
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Several Indonesian representatives will commence their Olympic journey in the group stage on Saturday, starting at 4 p.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB). Rahayu and Ramadhanti will confront Japanese pair Matsumoto and Nagahara in Group A women's doubles.
In men's doubles, Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto will face Germany's Mark Lamsfuss and Marvin Seidel in Group C. In mixed doubles, Rinov Rivaldy and Pitha Haningtyas Mentari will challenge South Korea's Kim Won Ho and Jeong Na Eun in Group A. Meanwhile, third-seeded men's singles player Jonatan Christie will encounter Belgian Julien Carraggi in Group L.