The head of Indonesia Badminton Association Gita Wirjawan said based on the achievements in the last few years, Indonesian doubles has been very strong. Stars like Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan in men's doubles, Tontowi Ahmad/Liliyana Natsir in mixed doubles, and Greysia Polii/Nitya Krishinda Maheswari in women's doubles are expected to grab their titles at Senayan Stadium on May 30 - June 5, 2016.
"We shall not forget, we also have new guns in men's singles. We hope they can deliver upsets," Gita said during a press conference at Kempinski Hotel, Wednesday afternoon (11/5).
Gita added Indonesian men's singles has decent records in Grand Prix level and Superseries, as what Jonathan Christie achieved in Malaysia Open Superseries Premier semi final where he lost from China's first seed, Cheng Long 21-8, 19-21, 14-21.
In women's singles, the PBSI sets a more realistic target although they have generally made the association happy enough with their positive results from young players development.
Moreover, Gita added that performing in front of the eager Indonesian audience may boost motivation and positive mood for the players as they may as well perform their best. The Indonesian Badminton Association is considered strict enough to develop regeneration in each category along with high level tournaments.
The last time, Indonesia managed to win the title in Indonesia Open Superseries Premier in 2013. Ahsan/Hendra saved the home team prestige by defeating South Korea's doubles, Ko Shung-Hyun/Lee Yong Dae di final.
Indonesia was forced titleless in two tournaments of the BCA Metlife Indonesia Open Superseries Premier. No one was able to be on the ultimate podium in 2014 dan 2015.
In 2014, Ahsan/Hendra failed to defend their title after defeated by Kim Ki-Jung/Kim Sa-rang in the final. Owi/Butet also surrendered in semifinal. And in 2015, Ahsan/Hendra Owi/Butet also failed followed by Greysia/Nitya in the final.
The Secretary General of Indonesian Badminton Association Anton Subowo hopes that this year Indonesia will grab the champion title. The chances are also wide open.
The head of Indonesia Badminton Association Development and Achievement, Rexy Mainaky added that Indonesia Open can be a last evaluation for the athletes playing in 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic, August 5-22. The outcome will be the parameter for preparation refinement conducted by Pelatnas in order to polish their performance for the upcoming Olympic.
"Indonesia Open outcome is measured to see how far the players preparation is. With an adequate preparation, we are ready to win the three titles," she said.
