Taufik Hidayat - one of the most celebrated shuttler in the history of badminton
Indonesia’s Taufik Hidayat is generally considered one of the most dynamic, celebrated and complete shuttlers in the entire history of badminton. He has a rich professional career as he earned glory for his country by winning numerous titles in the category
of Men’s Singles, at international level. The former world and Olympic champion in currently ranked at Number Two in the rankings of the Badminton World Federation.
Taufik joined the SGS badminton club in Bandung and started training under the supervision of Lie Sumirat. Right from start of his professional career, the Indonesian remained committed towards the game and quickly learnt the advanced techniques that brought
him in the category of the elite players in the world.
He was just 17 years old when he reached in the final of the prestigious event of All England Open. At the age of 19, he represented Indonesia at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. In 1999, Taufik won the first home title in the form of Indonesia Open. In 2000, the
Indonesian who won four major titles including the Indonesia Open, Thomas cup (team event), Asian Championships, and Malaysian Open.
In 2001, he grabbed the Men’s Singles title in Singapore Open. In the following year, Taufik won three major events including the Indonesia Open, Asian Games and Thomas Cup (team event). In 2003, the Indonesian star clinched the home title of Indonesia Open.
The next year was the most successful one of his professional career as Taufik won the gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games. He also won the Indonesian Open and Asian Championships in the same year. The Indonesian became the world champion in 2005, when
he won BWF World Championships in USA.
In the same year he also emerged the winner of the Singapore Open and the China Open. Taufik continued his winning streak in 2006 by winning three more titles in the form of Indonesia Open, Asian Games and China Open.
The Indonesian hero won the Asian Championships and SEA Games in 2007, and wrapped up Macau Open Badminton Championships in 2008. In 2009, Taufik became the winner of US Open and India Open. Taufik continued his winning run in 2010 and won three events in
the form of French Open Super Series, Canada Open and Indonesia Open Grand Prix Gold.
During his prolonged professional career, Taufik remained among the top players of all-time by proving his worth against top athletes in the world of badminton. The Indonesian also suffered injuries throughout his career, but he was determined to win more
and more titles.
The Indonesian legend has worldwide appreciation from the countless fans for his superb achievements in the game. Apart from the game, he is a caring husband, loving father and is also known as a soft spoken gentleman.
The 29-year-old shuttler won all major events in the arena of the game except the All England Open. He managed to reach in the final of All England in 1999 and 2000, but failed to win the final. However, he is determined to break the deadlock in this event
before the end of his career.
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