The Best of Asia: Greysia Polii
Indonesia’s Greysia Polii started playing in international tournaments in 2001, according to BWF’s records. It’s been a little more than two decades and she’s still shining.
Greysia Polli got another spotlight after winning a gold medal in women’s doubles badminton with her partner Apriyani Rahayu at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Greysia Polii and Apriyani Rahayu are currently ranked #6 at the women’s doubles in BWF World Ranking. Their victory has created a new history for Indonesia as they now hold the title of the first Indonesian and Southeast Asian women’s doubles to win an Olympic gold medal. As a result, Greysia Polii’s profile has risen in popularity as a result of her victory.
Recently, she has been re-elected as BWF’s Athlete’s Commission from 2021-2025 representing athletes’ needs and perspectives to the BWF council and committees. She was previously appointed from 2013 until 2017.
Throughout her career, Greysia’s highest ranking was #2 in the BWF women’s doubles in 2016 paired with Nitya Krishinda Maheswari. She has also been paired with other athletes namely Meiliana Jauhari, Jo Novita, and Anggia Shitta Awanda.
Greysia has been playing badminton since she was a child and has a natural talent for the sport. Her sister, a former national player Deyana Lomban, inspired her to play badminton. Recognizing her potential, she joined the Jaya Raya Club in Jakarta in 1995 to develop her badminton career and better training. She began her badminton career as a women's and mixed doubles player at the age of 14, as she was viewed to be better at doubles than singles. She then joined the national team in 2003.
Greysia started her career when she was paired with Jo Novita in 2006, with whom she won several medals including silver medals at the Southeast Asian Games in 2005 and 2007, a bronze medal at the 2005 Asian Championships. Furthermore, they have also won a silver medal at the 2006 Korea Open and 2007 Malaysia Super Series. She also finished 3rd at the 2005 Hong Kong Badminton Championships, 2006 Denmark Open, 2006 Singapore Open, 2007 Philippines Open, and 2007 French Super Series.
In 2016, Greysia and Nitya won a lot of medals including a silver medal at the 2016 Australian Badminton Open as well as a bronze medal at the 2016 Badminton Asia Championships. Moreover, they have also won a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games, 2016 Singapore Open, and 2015 Korea Open.
Currently, she is paired with Apriyani Rahayu with whom she earned gold at the 2014 Asian Games, 2020 Indonesia Masters, and 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Greysia’s career has developed throughout the year. She has also won a couple of medals in 2021 including the 1st place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and 2021 Yonex Thailand Open. Moreover, she earned a silver medal at the 2021 Indonesia Open and bronze at the 2021 BWF World Tour Finals 2021 as well as the 2021 Toyota Thailand Open.
Looking forward to seeing more victories for Greysia and other athletes as they pursue their passion to make their country proud. We wish her good luck at the upcoming All England 2022!
Source:
inews.id
merdeka.com
bwfbadminton.com
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