Bisnis.com, JAKARTA — The Indonesian badminton team, armed with strong determination and a spirit of unity, has left Indonesia for Suzhou, China. The Red-White team has big ambitions, namely to win back the Sudirman Cup.

Consisting of 20 male and female players, the Red-White team departed from Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, Banten on Thursday (11/5) at 11:15 a.m. WIB.

Led by team manager Armand Darmadji, the Indonesian team will fly to Singapore using Singapore Airlines flight number SQ 957.

After a transit of approximately three hours, the Sudirman Cup team will continue their journey with the same airline, flight number SQ 836. Depart Changi Airport at 5:25 p.m. to Pudong International Airport, Shanghai.

“Today we are leaving for Suzhou with a big mission. It is to win back the Sudirman Cup. We have been waiting for 34 years for the symbol of world supremacy in mixed team badminton. Indonesia.” Armand said.

This year’s Sudirman Cup will be held in Suzhou, China from May 14-21, 2023. Indonesia is in Group B along with Canada, Germany and Thailand.

Armand said the team is also in good shape. No less than 20 male and female players are healthy and in good spirits. Supported by technical trainers, physical trainers, doctors, therapists, masseurs, video analysis and the media, the Garuda Squad is ready for battle.

“We are ready to fight. The players and coaches, as well as the support team are also in good condition. We are ready to fight with enthusiasm. With solidarity and cohesion, the Indonesian badminton team wants to bring back the Sudirman Cup domestically,” Armand said.

The day before his departure, the Sudirman Cup team underwent a PCR swab test at the PBSI National Training Center, Cipayung, East Jakarra on Wednesday (10/5) morning. This test is compulsory for traveling to the land of the bamboo curtain.

Indonesia left for Suzhou with the best squad. In men’s singles, Anthony Sinisuka Ginting and Jonatan Christie have strengthened. For the ladies’ singles, there are Gregoria Mariska Tunjung and Putri Kusuma Wardani. In men’s doubles, Indonesia has Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto, Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo and Leo Rolly Carnando/Daniel Marthin.

Meanwhile, in women’s doubles, Apriyani Rahayu/Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti and Ribka Sugiarto/Lanny Tria Mayasari are getting stronger. While in mixed doubles, there is always Rinov Rivaldy/Pitha Haningtyas Mentari, Dejan Ferdinansyah/Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja and Adnan Maulana/Nita Violina Marwah.

According to the captain of the Sudirman Cup team, Fajar Alfian, the state of the team is also good. The players were so enthusiastic and supportive.

“Everyone is united and the team is very excited to bring the Sudirman Cup back. We are still united and excited. Hopefully this positive thing can be maintained,” Fajar said.

A similar voice came from Apriyani Rahayu. This women’s doubles player also said she was very ready to defend the Garuda Squad in Suzhou.

“We are very ready. Hopefully this unity can become our strength to win the Sudirman Cup,” Apriyani said.

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