Taufik Hidayat: the indomitable shuttler still wants to win more
Indonesia’s Taufik Hidayat is generally considered to be one of the most dynamic, celebrated and complete shuttlers in the entire history of Badminton. The dynamic player has a rich professional career and has earned glory for his country by winning numerous
titles in the men’s singles category at the international level. The former World and Olympic Champion is currently ranked number three 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 the start of his professional career, the Indonesian remained committed towards the game and quickly learned the advanced skills and tactics
that pushed him into the arena of the elite players in the world of Badminton. He was just 17-years-old when he reached the final of the prestigious All England Open event. At the age of 19, Taufik represented Indonesia in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
In 1999, Taufik won the first home title in the men’s singles category of the Indonesia Open. 2000 brought massive success for the Indonesian, who won four major titles including, the Indonesia Open, Thomas cup, Asian Championships, and Malaysian Open. In
2001, he grabbed the singles title in the Singapore Open event. In the following year, Taufik won three major events including, the Indonesia Open, Asian Games and Thomas Cup. In 2003, the Indonesian star again clinched the singles title in the Indonesia Open.
The most successful year in the professional career of Taufik was in 2004, as he won the gold medal in the Athens Olympics. He also won the Indonesia Open and Asian Championships in the same year. The Indonesian became the world champion in 2005, when he
won the BWF World Championships in the USA. In the same year he also emerged as the winner of the Singapore Open and the China Open. Taufik continued his winning streak in 2006, by winning three more titles in the Indonesia Open, Asian Games and China Open.
The Indonesian hero won the Asian Championships and Sea Games in 2007, and wrapped up the Macau Open Badminton Championships in 2008. In 2009, Taufik was the winner of the US Open and the India Open. He continued his impressive run in 2010 and won three
events in the French Open Super Series, Canada Open and Indonesia Open Grand Prix Gold.
During his successful professional career, Taufik remained among the most dominating players of all time, by proving his worth against the top athletes in the arena of Badminton. The Indonesian as suffered numerous injuries throughout his career, but remained
determined to recuperate for winning more titles. The Indonesian legend has world-wide appreciation from countless fans for his superb achievements in the game. Apart from badminton, he is a caring husband and loving father, who is 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 the final of the All England in 1999 and 2000, but failed to win the title. However, Taufik is determined to break the dead-lock in this
event before the end of his career. He is also considered an arch rival for top athletes including Lin Dan of China, Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia and Peter Hoeg Gade of Denmark.
Taufik’s career is a testament to his hard work and dedication that he has for Badminton. His fierce competitive spirit and aggressive style of play, has earned him many awards and accolades over the years. The fans enjoy watching him on the court, as his
competitors have a tremendous amount of respect for this truly dynamic badminton champion.
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