06/05/2024. PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk or BNI gave a warm welcome to the Indonesian Thomas and Uber Cup Teams who had just finished their struggle at the Thomas & Uber Cup Teams Badminton Championship 2024 in Chengdu, China.
The return of the badminton athletes to their homeland was welcomed directly by BNI President Director Royke Tumilaar at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, Monday (6/5/2024).
Also present at the welcoming event were Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Dito Ariotedjo, Secretary General of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) Mohammad Fadil Imran, and Deputy Chairman I of PBSI Alex Tirta Darmadji.
"On behalf of all BNI staff, I would like to welcome back to the homeland to the Indonesian badminton heroes, the Indonesian Thomas and Uber Teams," said Royke in his speech.
As the official sponsor of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI), BNI feels honored to be part of the glorious journey of the Indonesian Thomas and Uber Teams in making Indonesia's name famous in the eyes of the world.
According to Royke, the achievement of being runner-up in the most prestigious badminton championship shows that Indonesian badminton is still a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
The Uber Team's achievement in successfully advancing and together with the Thomas Team reaching the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup finals was also a historic moment for Indonesia, ending a long wait of 26 years.
This, Royke continued, shows that BNI's support for the progress of Indonesian badminton achievements that has been carried out so far has yielded results. BNI's support is not only focused on Pelatnas athletes, but also on coaching athletes at an early age and developing badminton infrastructure throughout Indonesia.
"We are confident that with this ongoing support, Indonesian badminton can continue to produce talented athletes and achieve more brilliant national and international achievements in the future," said Royke.
On the same occasion, Secretary General of PP PBSI Mohammad Fadil Imran said that his party felt proud because they witnessed firsthand the hard work, totality, perseverance, and spirit of mutual cooperation from the athletes, coaches, officials, and support teams until the last seconds.
"I feel proud, because what we have achieved today is the result of working to the maximum limit, until no more sweat drips. Even if necessary, we will give our lives on the field. All for the glory of the Red and White," said Fadil.
Fadil believes that, what was accomplished in the Thomas and Uber Cup 2024 is part of a long journey. The achievement of Runner Up this time must be appreciated and should not quench the flame of enthusiasm to fight by continuing to evaluate, to rise better in the following battles in the future.
"This year's results should not make us too sad or too happy. The most important thing is that we maintain our spirit and optimism that tomorrow will be better," he stressed.
At the same time, Minister of Youth and Sports Dito Ariotedjo thanked BNI for their assistance in collaboratively growing the country by promoting the successes of Indonesian badminton athletes. "Thank you for the large middle sponsor logo, this is inseparable from supporting the PBSI coaching process," he said.