The Indonesian men’s doubles duo of Tony Gunawan and Candra Wijaya was a feared one. They were the only ones who could challenge the rampaging Chinese successfully and keep their national flag flying high.

The two have an enviable record in world badminton. They have won 14 top international titles and the gold at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. They are now here to play in the Indian Open Gold Grand Prix as a team, the only difference being that Gunawan is playing for the United States of America now. “After the Sydney gold, Tony moved to the USA and we could not play the Olympics anymore. I was a little upset but I still play with him and we hope to have a good run here,” said Wijaya, who has won a total of 19 major international doubles titles. The record is inclusive of two All-England doubles titles with Sigit Budiarto.

Wijaya, son of Indonesian badminton legend Hendra Wijaya, switched to doubles from being a singles player when he was 16. “I was bed-ridden for three months due to hepatitis. But after that, I just started playing doubles. Doubles needs a lot of strategy and understanding of the opponents. I am 32 now and still enjoying it,” he said.

“Badminton is my life and I want to live with it in whatever way possible throughout my life,” he said. Badminton is the top sport in Indonesia even though it is not what it used to be when Wijaya and Gunawan were at their best. However, Wijaya feels Indonesia still has some tough ones like Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat. “He still has it in him to win. Sony Dwi Kuncoro is also capable of winning in the Olympics,” he signed off.