Since the inception in Barcelona edition, INA has never failed to win one gold medal in their last five appearances in the badminton event. Curiously, INA has also never failed to deliver at least a medal of any colour from the MD category. Should INA succeed in landing one gold (most likely from XD) and a medal of any colour from MD? Does it justify the fact that the tournament is actually cursed/jinxed in the favour of the INA. Because no matter how strong and on form the other opponents are, INA seems to have an edge as well as THAT LUCK to win. What if they actually failed to achieve both of the above in London ? Does that mean INA is no longer a powerhouse to begin anymore ? They have already failed badly in the Thomas Cup edition which is the worst result since their first appearance many decades ago. If result in London doesnt reach or exceed the expectation set by the results of the past 5 editions, is it safe to say Indonesia is officially not a powerhouse anymore and they are on the same level as Malaysia and England.
I can say that for most of the INA people a failure to get any gold medal by the badminton team will be an establishment of the downhill of INA badminton and would definetely agree with your statement. Even now this kind of thought already exist in the heart and mind of the most INA's. The only things that brings some optimism to claim Gold is through Towi/Lily tittle in AE and SS won in IO PSS, but I would say that the INA has the smallest chance to win Gold in this Olympic compare to the previous Although personally, I still believe somehow, INA will still have 1 gold from baddy to take back home at the end of this event
at the same time, one should not associate the up and downfall of a whole badminton association from a single competition alone. afterall, there are total of 5 winners in a single Olympic. it is better to look at the bigger picture, look at their performance over the course of the year. get the methodology correct first. then make the correct conclusion.
It's safe to say INA badminton is no longer the "powerhouse" from 10 yrs ago....or maybe even 4 yrs ago, even if it takes home a Gold medal (the only realistic chance for them to get a Gold will be from XD, but even then the field is open for any pair to win).. *If i recall, the 2008 OG medalists in MD had shown their mettle and capability over more than a yr in action (winning the 2007 WC in M'sia as 1 of the big tourneys prior to the OG).
Towi/Liliyana lost to Sudket/Saralee in final of INA SS Premier last month No doubt, our XD is the best bet to deliver Olympic gold for INA but don't forget this category together with MD are very balance and wide open, really stiff competition, hopefully best luck is still with us to maintain the gold tradition...
