Indonesia Open 2014 : (slightly) Different but Great As Always

In Indonesia, the most popular sports is football  and badminton takes the second position. For me, badminton will always be number one sports because it gives pride to Indonesia. Those remarkable badminton athletes should be honored as national heroes to appreciate their tremendous effort to be champions in international tournaments. But that dream probably will only be a dream for this near time, so me and other badminton lovers should be content with the annual badminton tournament in Jakarta : Indonesia Open 2014 which held at Istora (Sports Center) Senayan Jakarta from 17-22 June. It’s my third time to watch this event on the site. If you guys haven’t tried it before, I recommend you to give it a shot. Trust me, you’ll get addicted to it and come back again next year.

There was a significant change this year because this event now had different main sponsor. For two years in a row, Indonesia Open was dominated with red color. This year, all decorations were in blue. It didn’t disturb the festivities feel in this event at all. I personally glad that the sponsor was change since cigarette company used to take the place. It’s not funny to have a sports event that promotes health sponsored by goods that harmful for health

Every year, I always watch the round 2 where many players still compete so I can see plenty matches in a day. If lucky, you could take a picture with your favorite players although if you aim for the popular one, you need extra effort (and extra luck!) because they won’t stroll around as carefree as the other players.

Indonesia Open is special. Unlike other tournaments in other countries where the spectators are usually only show up for final matches, in Indonesia Open Round 2 matches could attract many people to come. I was surprised to see such excitement, even the most uncomfortable seat (because of the view angle and yeah, it has the cheapest ticket price) were almost full. Istora Senayan was shaken because of the supporter’s cheer! Last year and two years ago, the hype wasn't that great.

It's only round 2 but look at those full seats!

Unfortunately the cheering couldn't make the players’ journey easier. I had to witness Indonesian players lost to their rivals one by one. Many of them had a fierce battle with slightly different score but still ended up lost.. Aaaaagh it was frustrating really! It’s true that winning isn’t everything but losing in your own nest has its own painful sensation o___o

But no matter what the result, watching badminton matches are always fun :) I definitely will continue this habit next year and the year after..I’ll drag my future family with me haha! And hopefully Indonesian badminton will improve to be even much better and seize all titles! 

IN-DO-NE-SIA!! *dum-dum-dum-dum-dum*