HORSENS: Five years ago in Aarhus, Denmark, Indonesia’s top women’s singles player Putri Kusuma was still relatively inexperienced when she competed in her first Uber Cup.
The shuttler said she was fortunate to gain experience alongside senior players, including Tokyo 2020 Olympic women’s doubles gold medallists Greysia Polii-Apriyani Rahayu.
The presence of experienced players such as Greysia not only provided her guidance on court, but also instilled confidence and maturity in her as she was entrusted as Indonesia’s second women’s singles player in the competition.
The 2020 Uber Cup was held in 2021 following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Entrusted as Indonesia’s team captain for the 2026 edition at Forum Horsens, the world No. 6 said she was using the guidance and advice received from Greysia in leading her teammates this time around.
“Certainly, the responsibility of being captain is extraordinary, as I need to ensure strong bonds among teammates.
“Of course, I want to use the advice given by Greysia to help me lead the team in Horsens.
“Back in Aarhus, Greysia often motivated and engaged with junior players, and that meant a lot to me.”
Putri on Tuesday contributed Indonesia’s first point in their 3-2 win over Taiwan in the final Group C match, defeating Chiu Pin-Chian 21-17, 21-17.
The result saw Indonesia advance to the quarter-finals as Group C champions, while Taiwan also progressed as runners-up.
The 24-year-old said she not only aimed to fulfil her role as team leader, but also hoped to inspire her teammates to reach the Uber Cup final for the second consecutive time after finishing runners-up in the 2024 edition in Chengdu, China. — Bernama
