"If we are determined and well-prepared, there will always be opportunities to win international competitions," Yudhoyono said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono congratulated the gold medallists of the 2013 BWF World Championships in Guangzhou, China, on Sunday.
"We are extremely thankful and proud. I immediately called Liliyana (Natsir) and Tontowi (Ahmad) and shared my happiness with them. I also congratulated the Mr. Gita (Wirjawan), Chairman of PBSI," said the president at Bogor Palace on Monday.
The president added that he had watched the badminton match on his television with his ministers and staff members after drafting the state address for the 68th Independence Day Anniversary.
"If we are determined and well-prepared, there will always be opportunities to win international competitions," he said.
Indonesia's success at the recent games, the 2011 SEA Games, and a sports competition in 1997 illustrates our determination, he added.
"This is an example of good coaching, preparation, and practice, accompanied by prayers and blessings of the people of Indonesia. We can be champions... congratulations to our athletes; the people of Indonesia are proud and thankful, but do not become complacent," he said.
Before the athletes flew to Guangzhou, the president urged the Indonesian athletes to not feel overwhelmed by past victories of Indonesian teams in badminton.
The president also encouraged the athletes to work together to revive the country`s sports glory.
He also urged the athletes to train earnestly.
"The key to success lies in organisational management; people should work closely and not fight with one another," he said.
The mixed doubles team comprising Tontowi Ahmad/Liliyana Natsir and the men`s doubles team comprising Hendra Setiawan/Muhammad Ahsan won the world championship trophies in their respective categories in the 2013 BWF World Championship in Guangzhou, China, on Sunday.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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