Badminton: President Jokowi Congratulates Indonesian Team on Victory at Malaysia Open

KOMPAS.com – Indonesia’s President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and the Ministry of Youth and Sports took to Twitter to congratulate Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto after clinching victory in the Malaysia Open 2023 over the weekend.

The duo beat Chinese badminton players Liang Wei Keng/Wang Chang 21-18 18-21 21-13 at Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, Jan. 15.

“Indonesian badminton players who are the new World No. 1 men’s doubles pair, Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto, have won the Malaysia Open 2023 title,” Jokowi said in a tweet.

“From our homeland, I extend my sincere congratulations to Fajar/Rian, their coaches, and the Indonesian Badminton team, he added.”

Also read: Indonesia Takes Gold in Womens Badminton at Tokyo Olympics

Meanwhile, on its Twitter official account, the ministry posted the raising trophy photo followed by a photo resembling a student’s report card featuring the achievements of the duo with their names written as FajRi.

The competition 2023 Malaysia Open title becomes even more special because they won their first Super 1000 title.

“We are happy. Thank God, we won the first Super 1000 at the beginning of 2023. Very grateful and hopefully we will be better in the future,” said Fajar in a statement issued by the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI).

Also read: Indonesia Badminton Team Withdraws from 2021 World Championship in Spain

“I dedicate this title to Indonesia, PBSI, coaches, all teams, and families. This also goes to all friends and supporters who continue to support us,” Fajar added.

According to the Badminton World Federation (BWF), they are the first men’s pair to win at least a title each in Super 300, 500, 750, and 1000.

They are scheduled to compete in a Super 750 level tournament during the 2023 India Open in New Delhi from Jan. 7-22.

(Writer: Ervan Yudhi Tri Atmoko | Editor: Ervan Yudhi Tri Atmoko)

Source: https://www.kompas.com/sports/read/2023/01/16/18200008/fajar-rian-juara-malaysia-open-2023--jokowi-beri-selamat-kemenpora-buatkan?page=all.