Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Taufik Hidayat expects the Indonesian badminton team to win gold medals at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, the United States.
“Maybe (we can win gold medals) from the men’s and women’s singles, mixed doubles, men’s doubles or women's doubles,” he stated here on Friday (Jan 3).
Hidayat visited the Indonesian Badminton Association’s (PBSI's) national training center to give his support and inputs to athletes and coaches.
“Remember, the key to success is within yourself,” he told the athletes.
Baca juga: Oil lifting at 602,000 barrels per day in Nov--Dec: minister
As a former World, Olympic, two-time Asian Games, and three-time Asian champion, Hidayat emphasized the importance of commitment, hard work, and responsibility of all stakeholders in restoring the glory of Indonesian badminton in the world.
The gold medalist from the 2004 Athens Olympics also remarked that achieving success as an athlete is not solely dependent on competitive experiences but is significantly influenced by a champion's mindset.
To this end, Hidayat underscored the need for training, matches, and programs to be designed with clear and measurable goals.
Baca juga: Govt targets 2026 to end diesel imports with B50 program: minister
"You do not only belong to your coach or family but also to the people of Indonesia. Your achievements are the pride of the nation," Hidayat affirmed.
The legendary badminton player called on senior athletes to be role models for juniors by providing guidance, maintaining enthusiasm and discipline, as well as establishing good communication.
The Indonesian badminton team did not secure a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The only medal won by the team was a bronze, secured by women’s singles badminton player Gregoria Mariska Tunjung.
