Tokyo: After traveling for approximately eight hours from Jakarta, the Indonesian badminton team which will be competing in the 2020 Olympics finally arrived at Haneda airport, Tokyo, Friday at 08.45 am local time.
Upon arrival, the team of 25 people immediately underwent a series of health tests, including the COVID-19 saliva test.
“Thank God, our Indonesian badminton team has arrived at Haneda. We immediately underwent a saliva test and we were all tested negative,” said Indonesia’s team manager, Eddy Prayitno, in a statement released by the PBSI on Friday.
He said that the COVID-19 test and immigration process at the airport went smoothly. Prayitno stressed that the Indonesian team was healthy, happy, and full of enthusiasm and the team also had lunch at a restaurant in the airport while waiting for a connecting flight to Kumamoto in the afternoon.
For the Indonesian team, this was the first time they had a COVID-19 saliva test. Before that, they have always used the nasal swab or oral (throat) swab methods.
“This is my first saliva test. It feels safe and doesn’t hurt,” said Indonesia’s men’s doubles legend – Hendra Setiawan.
Setiawan admitted that the saliva test was a little strange. This was because he was used to the nasal swab or throat swab method.
“This is more comfortable, especially in Kumamoto and maybe in Tokyo later we will have tests every day,” added Setiawan.
Setiawan also said that the saliva test was very easy. “So we just have to spit a little,” continued Setiawan.
Below is the complete list of Indonesian badminton team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (including players, staff, and coaches):
1. Jonathan Christie (Men’s Singles)
2. Anthony Sinisuka Ginting (Men’s Singles)
3. Gregoria Mariska Tunjung (Women’s Singles)
4. Marcus Fernaldi Gideon (Men’s Doubles)
5. Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo (Men’s Doubles)
6. Mohammad Ahsan (Men’s Doubles)
7. Hendra Setiawan (Men’s Doubles)
8. Greysia Polii (Women’s Doubles)
9. Apriyani Rahayu (Women’s Doubles)
10. Praveen Jordan (Mixed Doubles)
11. Melati Daeva Oktavianti (Mixed Doubles)
12. Hendry Saputra Ho (Men’s Singles Coach)
13. Rionny Mainaky (Women’s Singles Coach)
14. Herry Iman Pierngadi (Men’s Doubles Coach)
15. Eng Hian (Women’s Doubles Coach)
16. Nova Widianto (Mixed Doubles Coach)
17. Iwan Hermawan (Physical and Sports Science Coach)
18. Eddy Prayitno (Team Manager)
19. Shesar Hiren Rhustavito (Sparring Athlete)
20. Fajar Alfian (Sparring Athlete)
21. Muhammad Rian Ardianto (Sparring Athlete)
22. Zachariah Josiahno Sumanti (Sparring Athlete)
23. Dr. Octaviani (Team Doctor)
24. Gyon Putra Amiga (Physiotherapist)
25. Jean Inneke Turangan (Masseur)
