Praveen Jordan / Melati Daeva Oktavianti apologized after being stopped in the quarter-finals of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. They admitted that they performed unsatisfactorily.
Praveen / Melati stopped after being defeated by the world number one pair from China, Zheng Si Wei / Huang Ya Qiong. Competing at Musashino Forest Sport Plaza, Tokyo, Wednesday (28/7) morning, the 2020 All England champion gave up two games 17-21, 15-21 within 35 minutes.
“First, we apologize to all Indonesian people, we have not been able to provide the best results,” said Melati in a written statement.
“We’ve tried but the results are not satisfactory. We also feel we performed quite well today compared to two days ago. But they (Zheng / Huang) are much better,” he added.
The pair ranked 4 in the world also expressed their gratitude for the continuous support given to them during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. “Thank you to everyone who has always supported and prayed for us. In the future we will try to be better,” said Melati.
Meanwhile, mixed doubles coach Nova Widianto, who accompanied Praveen/Melati in Tokyo, said that Praveen/Melati had actually played better than the group phase. It’s just that the opponent is playing better.
“In terms of the game and the enthusiasm was good compared to the last group stage, until the last they didn’t give up. But we have to admit that today’s opponent played better, we lost quickly, especially in the next game,” said Nova.
This defeat dashed Indonesia’s mixed doubles hopes to defend the Olympic gold medal won in Rio de Janeiro 2016. At that time, Tontowi Ahmad/Liliyana Natsir succeeded in winning the gold medal at this prestigious quadrennial event.
Disappointment clearly enveloped Praveen / Melati after being eliminated from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. But Nova emphasized that this defeat was his responsibility. “Disappointed for sure because they were targeted to win a medal, but I saw that they were at their maximum today. Whatever the result, I thank them because they have fought,” said Nova.
“This defeat is still my responsibility as a coach, this is an introspection for me and the mixed doubles coaching team,” he said.
Watch the video ‘Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Praveen/Melati Runs aground in the Quarterfinals’:
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