It shows that I am not only recognized in Indonesia but also on the international stage.

Jakarta Former Indonesian badminton player Liliyana Natsir was inducted into the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Hall of Fame, with the award presented to honor the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics gold winner’s dedication during her career.

The award was presented by Deputy Chair of the Marketing Committee of BWF Bambang Rudy Roedyanto during a ceremony at the Istora Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta, on Saturday, on the sidelines of the implementation of the Indonesia Open 2022.

Natsir — nicknamed Butet — became the 10th Indonesian athlete to receive the Hall of Fame award as well as the second female athlete of the country to be bestowed the award after Susy Susanti.

“The award is very meaningful for me since it shows that I am not only recognized in Indonesia but also on the international stage. Although I have retired, I am still appreciated,” she remarked.

She expects that the achievement can motivate young athletes to continue to compete and make the country proud.

Furthermore, Natsir spoke of having expected her former partner in the mixed doubles event of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, Tontowi Ahmad, to also be bestowed the award on the same occasion.

However, the awarding ceremony was held only for her and former Chinese badminton player Zhao Yunlei.

“I do not know, maybe I will be (awarded) first, while Owi (Ahmad’s nickname) will be (awarded) later,” Natsir stated.

Source: Antara News