One of, if not, the most popular sport at the Asian Games, from the hosts' perspective, is badminton. Indonesia consistently performs well at major tournaments including the Olympic Games and IBF World Championships and home fans are hoping the 2018 Asian Games will be no exception. CGTN Sports Scene took a look at how the local fans are enjoying watching the country's best shuttlers in their own backyard.
It wasn't even the final of the women's badminton tournament, but thousands of fans attended to cheer for the host nation in the quarter-final between Indonesia and South Korea on the second day of the Asian Games. Since the opening ceremony, the badminton complex in Istora sports stadium has always been fully packed. From ages ranging from 5 to 80 years old, Indonesian locals have shown their love and passion for the sport. "I am so happy I can come and cheer for my home country at the Asian Games. I have loved badminton since I was a little boy, and I enjoy watching every game," a die-hard badminton fan from the host nation told CGTN Sports Scene.
Indonesia's Gregoria Mariska Tunjung hits a shot against South Korea's Sung Ji-hyun in their singles match during the quarter-final of the women's team badminton event at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta. /VCG Photo
Another fan remarked, "We just love badminton. We like to watch the matches no matter if we win or lose. This is so exciting."
At the opening ceremony, it was Susi Susanti, a legendary Olympic gold medalist in the racquet sport, who lit up the flame to officially start the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games. But names from the past, including Taufik Hidayat, a retired Indonesian shuttler, who won gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics, and Alan Budi Kusuma, are still highly regarded and remembered among the Indonesian sports fans.
Indonesian badminton icon Susi Susanti lighting up the flame at the opening ceremony of the 2018 Asian Games on August 18. /VCG Photo
"Taufik is a legend. He is the first male Indonesian player to win the Olympic gold, Asian Games gold, IBF world champion and Thomas cup. He is a hero of our country," said a fan while watching an ongoing badminton match at the quadrennial Asian multi-sports event. That match ended in favor of the hosts with their stalwarts getting past South Korea 3-1 and making it to the semi-finals of the women's event. That means the venue in Istora will get louder.