CHENGDU: Indonesia’s top women’s singles shuttler Gregoria Mariska Tunjung aims to help her country secure a medal at the 2024 Uber Cup in Chengdu, China.
Although the odds seem stacked against Indonesia in their quest for a podium finish, Gregoria remains optimistic that the current team, which includes rising women’s doubles pair Lanny Tria Mayasari-Ribka Sugiarto, can end their 14-year drought since their last medal, a bronze, won in 2010 in Kuala Lumpur.
“We will also try to go all out to surprise Japan, who have a strong team both in singles and doubles in Group C,“ she told reporters.
The world’s ninth-ranked player said this after contributing Indonesia’s first point by defeating Yeung Sum Yee 21-15, 21-11 in the opening Group C match against Hong Kong at the Chengdu High-Tech Zone Sports Centre here today.
Three-time champions Indonesia will face Uganda in their second tie on Monday and conclude their Group C campaign against six-time champions Japan on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Gregoria aims to improve her performance in the upcoming matches after expressing dissatisfaction with her play today, as she made several unforced errors, giving away free points to her opponent.
The prestigious 2024 Uber Cup competition, which began today, will conclude on May 5.
Besides dreaming of a Thomas Cup medal, the 24-year-old aspires to make a surprise in her second Olympic appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics by winning a medal for her country.
“Of course, my biggest target is the 2024 Olympics, but I have to focus first on some upcoming tournaments to gain momentum before playing in Paris,“ she said.
In her debut at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Gregoria was eliminated in the round of 16 by the 2013 world champion from Thailand, Ratchanok Intanon, 12-21, 19-21.
The Paris Olympics are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11.
