Badminton, a Sport Close to the Hearts of Indonesians

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Badminton holds a special place in the lives of many Indonesian people. Beyond the achievements of Indonesian athletes on the international stage, the sport is also widely accessible and enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to adults.

Indonesia has long been recognized as one of the world’s badminton powerhouses. When badminton made its Olympic debut as an official sport in 1992, Indonesia immediately made history by winning two gold medals, with Susi Susanti taking the women’s singles title and Alan Budikusuma winning the men’s singles event.

That success was followed by generations of talented Indonesian players. Names such as Rudy Hartono, Liem Swie King, Ardy B. Wiranata, Taufik Hidayat, and Susi Susanti have become part of Indonesia’s long and distinguished badminton history. Their achievements have not only brought pride to the country but also helped strengthen the public’s passion for the sport.

Badminton’s close connection with Indonesian society is also linked to how easy it is to play. Badminton courts can be found in many communities, from residential areas and village fields to multipurpose halls and even open spaces near homes. As a result, badminton serves not only as a competitive sport but also as a recreational activity that brings people together.

The equipment needed to play badminton is also relatively simple. A racket, shuttlecock, net, and suitable playing area are generally enough to get a game started. This accessibility makes badminton easy to introduce to children from an early age without requiring sophisticated facilities.

For many Indonesian children, their first experience with badminton begins at home or in their neighborhood. They may learn to play with their parents, siblings, or friends before developing their skills through badminton clubs or training schools. Along the way, the sport can also teach important values such as sportsmanship, discipline, hard work, and perseverance.

Public enthusiasm for badminton has also been strengthened by the achievements of Indonesian athletes at major international competitions. At the Olympic Games, Indonesia has won numerous medals in badminton, including the women’s doubles gold secured by Greysia Polii and Apriyani Rahayu at Tokyo 2020 and Gregoria Mariska Tunjung’s bronze medal in women’s singles at Paris 2024.

Ultimately, badminton is more than a sport that brings international recognition to Indonesia. It has become part of everyday life, bringing people together in their communities, introducing children to sport from an early age, and fostering a spirit of sportsmanship. This deep connection is what continues to give badminton a special place in the hearts of Indonesians.