Source: REUTERS/Issei Kato
[Saba Sports News] On the afternoon of May 15th, the Indonesian Badminton Association announced through its social media accounts that top male singles players Jonathan Christie and Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo have decided to start a new chapter in their careers by no longer participating in the training center of the PBSI national team, becoming freestyle athletes instead. The association expressed respect for their decision, viewing it as a reflection of a more adaptive and flexible training system transformation. The association’s senior officials revealed that although Jonatan and Chico have left the national training center, they will continue to receive support from the PBSI and will still represent Indonesia in international competitions. Regardless of where they train, their loyalty to the national colors will not fade, and their dedication will always belong to Indonesia. This announcement quickly sparked heated discussions among Indonesian fans, with the primary concern being whether Jonatan will continue to participate in team events. For this, a sports professional commented that based on the examples of Malaysian and Danish freestyle athletes, Jonatan should be able to compete in next year’s Thomas Cup without major issues.