President Jokowi Believes Indonesia’s Thomas and Uber Cup Squads Will Deliver Their Best

President Jokowi meets with Indonesia’s Thomas Cup Team and Uber Cup Team, at the Merdeka Palace, on Tuesday (10/5)

President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo on Tuesday (10/5) at the Merdeka Palace met with Indonesia’s Thomas Cup and Uber Cup Squads who are going to compete at the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup Finals Team Competition in Kunshan, China, from 15 – 22 May.

Chairman, coaches, and officials of the Indonesian Badminton Association  (PBSI) were also present.

On that occasion, President Jokowi congratulated the shuttlers, the coaches, and PBSI officials because both Indonesia’s Thomas Cup Team and Uber Cup Team have made it to the Finals.

“I am sure that our shuttlers will be able to restore the glory of Indonesia’s badminton at the international badminton world,” President Jokowi said.

For the record, the last time Indonesia won the Thomas Cup was back in 2002, while the last time the country lifted the Uber Cup was in 1996.

For the Finals this year, the Thomas Cup Team, led by Hendra Setiawan, is targeted to win the Trophy while the Uber Cup Team helmed by Greysia Polii is targeted to reach the quarter final.

“I believe all of us really hope that all the shuttlers will do their best in the games so we can bring home the Thomas Cup and the Uber Cup to Indonesia,” the President said.

The President also reminded the shuttlers to always maintain togetherness and keep the fighting spirit throughout the competition.

“I have a feeling that we can win the Cups. Once again, good luck, and I believe that all of you can materialize my beliefs,” President Jokowi added.

In the meantime, PBSI Chairman Gita Wirjawan, said that PBSI officials, coaches, and the shuttlers met with President Jokowi to ask for his support and prayers.  He also said that the Indonesian Thomas Cup and Uber Cup Squads are scheduled to depart to China on Wednesday evening (11/5).

Gita also said that both the Thomas Cup and the Uber Cup Teams have qualified for the Finals of Thomas Cup and Uber Cup team competition based on the qualifying tournament (held in India earlier this year).

Gita also said that President Jokowi gives his full support and really hopes that our Thomas Cup Team can win the Cup and our Uber Cup Team can reach the quarter final. “Insha Allah, with the prayers from all of us, our shuttlers will be able to deliver their best,” Gita said.

“President Jokowi also hopes that he can play badminton at National Training Center in Cipayung after we return from China. It will be a boost for our shuttlers,” Gita added.

On that occasion, President Jokowi was accompanied by Minister of Youth and Sports Imam Nahrawi and Presidential Chief of Staff Teten Masduki. (FID/ES) (Naster/YM/EP)