IO – Greysia Polii could not hold back her tears after confirming that she won the women’s doubles at the Yonex Thailand Open with her partner, Apriyani Rahayu after defeating the host pair, Jongkolphan Kititharakul/Rawinda Prajongjai, 21-15, 21-12 at Impact Arena, Bangkok, Sunday, January 17.
Greysia feels relieved because she has been able to carry out her responsibilities and bring victory for Indonesia with her partner Apriyani. Moreover, this is Indonesia’s first title in the women’s doubles sector, in the super 1000 class.
“Praise God, we are relieved because we have completed the task well, but at the same time, the feeling is mixed, more emotional, because…” said Greysia, pausing when answering questions from the Public Relations and Media team of the Indonesian Badminton Association Center.
Greysia is struggling amidst grief. Mixed feelings. The day after marrying her fiancé, Felix Djimin, Greysia lost her brother Rickettsia Polii, who died of COVID-19. His entire family also had to undergo isolation.
For Greysia, this victory is a wedding gift and also a motivation for the family. “I dedicate this title to my family who is struggling (against COVID -19). So my thoughts are everywhere, mixed feelings, my brother died and COVID,” said Greysia firmly.
The support she gets from her husband is very important and necessary. After getting married, Greysia only took one week off and returned to the Cipayung National Training Center.
“Praise God who gave the strength continuously every day. Moreover, Felix sacrificed a lot and struggled for a large family too; he was not affected by COVID-19. Felix is very mature and can be very supportive in all of this. Very fully supportive, especially to my emotional needs.”
“I’m just trying to get closer to God, I pray for strength every day to remain conscious. I am aware that I will continue to live the days, I do not want to lose focus,” said Greysia with gratitude for the strength she got.
Greysia and Apriyani still have to fight at the Toyota Thailand Open (19-24 January 2021) and the BWF World Tour Finals (27- 31 January 2021). She will keep trying and run it with joy.
“I shall just take part in the next match; I’m with Apri not thinking of a distant plan, but we try to do it one by one. After this championship is over, next week there is another tournament. So I just live the day with joy, still happy and enjoying life.”
Good luck to Greysia, and may you be Champion again in the next two tournaments. (rp)