5 Facts of Greysia Polii, Retires from Badminton After 20 Years
- PBSI
VIVA – Indonesian badminton player, Greysia Polii decides to retire from the world of badminton on Monday, June 13, 2022 after 20 years. The 34-years-old badminton player took the time to play badminton for the last time in a charity match entitled 'Greysia Polii Testimonial Day'.
From the event, the funds that have been collected will be donated to the Humanity Foundation.
As part of Greysia Polii's farewell, it opened with three opening songs from Raisa. Followed by remarks from the chairman of Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI), Agung Firman Sampurna and the Minister of Youth and Sports, Zainudin Amali.
So, here are the facts of Greysia Polii who decided to retire from the world of badminton:
1. The Oldest Badminton Player at Tokyo 2020 Olympics
Greysia Polii became the oldest badminton player at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. At that time, she was 33 years old, compared to other badminton players who were relatively young.
At the Tokyo Olympics, Greysia Polii was paired with Apriliyani Rahayu, who was 10 years apart in age. Greysia and Apriyani won gold medals in women's doubles at the Tokyo Olympics.
2. She Can Sing
It turns out that this badminton athlete has other skills in playing the oldest musical instruments, guitar and piano. Not only that, on her Youtube Channel, she was singing with her best friend, Agnes Monica.
3. Three Times Get a Different Partner
Greysia Polii has never missed an Olympic event. In addition, every Olympic title she got a different partner and managed to achieve success.
The first was the 2012 London Olympics, Greysia Polii was paired with Meiliana Jauhari, the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Olympics was paired with Nitya Krishinda Maheswari and the last one was the 2020 Tokyo Olympics paired with Apriani Rahayu and awarded the gold medal for Indonesia.
4. Real Fans of Inter Milan
Not only is she in love with the world of badminton, she is also a big fan of the Italian club, Inter Milan. She expressed her love for Inter Milan in 1997.
When Greysia Polii won the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she was congratulated on Inter Milan's official account with Indonesian language.
"Congratulations to @GreysiaPoli and Apriani Rahayu. Thank you for the struggle, you guys are amazing," wrote Inter Milan's official Twitter account.
5. Greysia Had Decided to Retire Early
Greysia Polii had several times decided to retire, but she did not. It was because of her love for Indonesian badminton and felt she was still able to give the best for Indonesian badminton.
As in her farewell speech, Greysia Polii said "Thank you for faithfully supporting me and all Indonesian athletes. So, we can continue to achieve as high as possible to make Indonesia proud. Hopefully, we can contribute better to Indonesian sports, especially badminton, I want to serve again" said Greysia.Â