Indonesia’s Tantowi Ahmad determined to impress in the Sudirman Cup – Badminton News
Indonesia’s Mixed Doubles shuttler, Tantowi Ahmad, along with Lilyana Natsir, is determined to deliver well in the upcoming event of Sudirman Cup, which will take place in Qingdao, China, from May 22.
Tantowi and Lilyana have recently delivered a superb performance and clinched two back-to-back titles. They won the 2011 India Open Super Series and also the recent 2011 Malaysia Open GP Gold.
The 24-year-old revealed about his professional badminton career and said, “If it wasn’t because of my father, I wouldn’t continue to play badminton at this level, which I realize is not my highest yet. That’s why I will keep improving until I reach the
highest level and make my parents even prouder of me.”
Tantowi, while praising his compatriot said, “I’m also so grateful that I can be paired with a great player like Liliyana, whom I always watched when she was playing with Nova [Widianto]. I never imagined having this opportunity.”
He further added that he is very lucky to play with Lilyana, who is the best shuttler in the country.
At the age of 17, Tantowi joined the famous badminton academy, Djarum Badminton Club and worked really hard for many years to compete at this level. His recent victories in major events have pushed him to win more titles at the international level.
Tantowi and Lilyana, who are currently ranked as World Number Four, will fly to China next week to participate in the Sudirman Cup, which is the biggest mixed team event in the entire world. Thirty-three countries from Asia and Europe, will participate in
this prestigious event.
While talking about the Sudirman Cup, Tantowi said, “As it is a team event championship, my main pride will be to play my best and contribute points for Indonesia.”
Indonesia have won this event except in 1989, whereas, Korea have emerged as the winner of Sudirman Cup on three occasions. China, on the other hand, has lifted the title seven times.
Tantowi is willing to bring glory back to Indonesia by performing well in this prestigious team championship, as a win for the duo will surely boost the nation’s confidence.
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