The Indonesian men’s team was relieved with the runner-up result in the 2022 Thomas Cup. They admitted that their opponent had indeed played better.
The Red-White squad has not managed to defend the championship trophy they won in Aarhus, Denmark, last year, after losing 0-3 to India. Jonatan Christie et al had to admit the superiority of India, which played better in the final match which took place at the Impact Arena, Bangkok, Sunday (15/5).
The Garuda squad could actually have won as long as they weren’t overtaken by the Indian players. For example, during the first match between Anthony Ginting and Lakshya Sen. The bronze medal winner of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics actually already pocketed the winning numbers in the first game, but unfortunately he managed to equalize the opponent.
Until finally Ginting was completely defeated by Sen with a score of 21-8, 17-21, 16-21. Then in the men’s doubles, the pair Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo/Mohammad Ahsan also failed to take advantage of their advantage.
After winning in the first game 21-18, Kevin/Ahsan led 18-13 in the second game. They ended up losing to Chirag Shetty/Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, 21-18, 21-23, 19-21.
“We admit that the opponent is indeed better. The players have also fought maximally. In ordinary sports there are wins and losses. The important thing is that we have to keep the spirit because there are still many championships ahead,” said PP PBSI Daily Chair Alex Tirta who accompanied the team during the fight in the capital of the White Elephant Country in the PBSI release.
India wins Thomas Cup 2022! (Photo: ANTARA FOTO/M RISYAL HIDAYAT) |
Meanwhile, the men’s doubles coach Herry Iman Pierngadi, said this defeat was part of a learning process for all players. He also asked for this bitter pill to be accepted and be a trigger to get up.
“We have to accept this defeat as part of the learning process. Last year we won, we are happy. This time we lost, so we have to accept it,” said the coach who was nicknamed the Fire Dragon.
“Defeat should not make us dissolve in sadness. But we must rise again to look to the future. Whatever the result, we deserve to congratulate India who won the Thomas Cup this year,” said Herry.
(mcy/aff)
