Indonesia's men's doubles Mohamad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan pose with Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan after winning the 2013 World Badminton Championships in China (8/11). PHOTO: twitter.com/G_minton

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia regained its once-faded supremacy in the badminton arena after winning two titles at the World Championships in Guangzhou on Saturday. Hendra Setiawan and Mohammad Ahsan nabbed the men's doubles crown while Tontowi Ahmad and Lilyana Natsir showed a notable comeback, maintaining their mixed doubles title.

Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan, who is also executive board chairman of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI PP), said he was overwhelmed by Indonesia's win. Indonesia won two titles from the men's doubles and the mixed doubles.

"It was very touching and heartening," said Gita, who witnessed the final match in Guangzhou, China.

Through a dramatic three-set battle, Tontowi and Lilyana managed to beat China's top seeds, Xu Chen and Ma Jin, by 21-13, 16-21, 22-20. Meanwhile, Hendra and Ahsan easily knocked out Danish pair Mathias Boe and Carsten Mogensen in a straight set, 21-13, 23-21.

Despite the achievement, former national player Ivanna Lie reminded players, coaches, administrators, and supervisors not to be complacent. Ivanna said there is far too much gap between senior and junior players. Ivanna hopes that the PBSI will conduct acceleration trainings to improve the quality of junior players.

GADI MAKITAN