Ikhsan Leonardo Imanuel Rumbay, Indonesia’s number junior in the men’s singles is chasing a dream to be in the likes of countryman Taufik Hidayat, China’s Lin Dan, and Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei.
Only 18, Rumbay who hails from Manado in North Sulawesi – the same place as Liliyana Natsir, described the world’s top mixed doubles player who has won all- from the Olympics, World Championships and others.
The well built Rumbay, however, is quick to admit that he has to scale mountains cross oceans in his bid to be a world class player and become a household name in the badminton fraternity.
“I lack mental strength…this is my main weakness. However, I have been work hard on this as I am aware that without mental strength I won’t be able to achieve my ambition.
“Taufik, Lin Dan, and Chong Wei are there because of mental strength apart from their respective skills in the game,” said Rumbay after his 21-13, 21-15 win over Singapore’s Joel Koh Jia Wei in the men’s singles.
Indonesia defeated Singapore 5-0 in the mixed team event in Group D and will meet Japan in the top of the group clash to decide the top two slots.
“We (Indonesia) are capable of reaching the final again in the Asian Junior mixed team event this year. On the personal front, I have not given up hope on the winning the individual title,” said Rumbay, who won the Malaysian Junior title last year.
Twice runners-up in the Pembangunan Jaya Junior Grand Prix, losing to Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn in each final, Rumbay was also a runner-up in the Peru International Challenge last year. – Badminton Asia
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