Source: REUTERS/IVAN ALVARADO
[Saba Sports News] Indonesian player Pramudya Kusumawardana, who held
the 18th position in the world rankings for men’s doubles badminton, has
recently made the surprising decision to retire, creating shockwaves within the
Indonesian badminton community. His ability to shine among a highly competitive
field of Indonesian men’s doubles players is a testament to his exceptional
talent. At the 2022 Asian Badminton Championships, Pramudya, alongside his
partner Yoche Yacob, clinched the men’s doubles title. Their consistent efforts
could have potentially led them to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
However, Pramudya, in a recent social media update, disclosed three reasons for
his retirement. Firstly, he cited mental fatigue and the need for rest. The
demanding training routines and frequent competitions had significantly
impacted his daily life. Secondly, he expressed a desire to prioritize his
academic pursuits, emphasizing the importance of education. Consequently, he
plans to study sports science and sports psychology in Australia. Lastly, he
expressed a lack of confidence in his ability to compete for the Olympics.
Throughout the 2023 season, he and Yacob failed to secure any championships,
which had somewhat undermined Pramudya’s self-confidence.