President Yudhoyono Sees Off Indonesian Thomas and Uber

Jakarta (Antara) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has officially sent the Indonesian badminton team to compete in the Thomas and Uber Cup in New Delhi, India, on May 18-25, 2014. "On behalf of the nations and the country, as well as in person, I send you to complete the duty and wish you are going to do the best," stated President Yudhoyono in a sending reception at the State Palace in Jakarta, on Tuesday. The members of Thomas Cup squad are Tommy Sugiarto, Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka, Simon Santoso, Ihsan Maulana Mustofa, Hendra Setiawan, Mohammad Ahsan, Rian Agung Saputro, Angga Pratama, Berry Angriawan, and Ricky Karanda Suwardi. The members of the Uber Cup squad are Linda Wenifanetri, Bellaetrix Manuputty, Adriyani Firdasari, Maria Febe Kusumastuti, Greysia Polli, Nitya Krishinda Maheswari, Pia Zebadiah Bernadet, Rizki Amelia Pradipta, Tiara Rosalia Nuraidah, and Suci Rizki Andini. During the reception, the president also reminded all players to pray regularly while giving their best, as well as to stay calm and focused while participating in the tournament. The president also asked the public in Indonesia to continue supporting the Indonesian badminton team, irrespective of whether they win or lose as all the athletes are patriotic towards the country. "In a game, we can win or lose. We win some and lose some. Hence, it is not part of our culture to mock our team if it loses. Win or lose, we are united and I am proud of it. Even if they lose, we still have to greet them. It is the true culture of Indonesia to support without blaming each other," Yudhoyono noted. (*)