Head of the Achievement Development Division of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI), Ricky Soebagdja, said he was optimistic that the men’s squad might bring the Thomas Cup home to Indonesia once more this year.
“We are champions in 2020 and runners-up in 2022. Hopefully this year we can bring the Thomas Cup back to Indonesia. The condition is that our fellow athletes must be in really good condition and appear spartan,” said Ricky via official statement from PP PBSI, Tuesday (23/4).
This confidence emerged following the recent achievements made by Indonesian male badminton players. From the singles number, there is Jonatan Christie who emerged as champion of the All England and Asian Championships 2024, Anthony Sinisuka Ginting is also a finalist for the All England. Then Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo became a semifinalist at the 2024 French Open, and Alwi Farhan was the 2023 world junior champion.
In the doubles sector, there are defending All England champions Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Ria Ardianto, 2022 All England champions Bagas Maulana/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri, and defending Indonesian Masters champions Leo Rolly Carnando/Daniel Marthin.
Until the last implementation in 2022, Indonesia was recorded as the country that had won the most Thomas Cups since this event was held in 1949, namely 14 times.
China followed with 10 times and Malaysia five times. Denmark, Japan and India each recorded one championship. India is the champion of the 2022 edition of the Thomas Cup.
“This year we are in a group with even strength, namely India, England and Thailand. We have to have the right strategy for each number,” said Ricky.
The 2024 Thomas and Uber Cup will be held at the Chengdu High-tech Zone Sports Center Gymnasium, China, on April 27-May 5 2024. (Ant/Z-11)
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