An article of interview with Ginting from CNN Indonesia.
Source :
https://www.cnnindonesia.com/olahra...m_content=cnnindonesia&utm_campaign=cmssocmed
Translated from the article are as followings (trying to be as accurate as I can)
Anthony Ginting: I've Cried and Been Underestimated.
What did you have in mind when you lost five consecutive matches in the final?
Sad, of course. After reaching the final for five times, why couldn't I win one of them? I have reached the final in WTF too, yet I couldn't manage to get through to the finish line. I kept asking questions, why? But I have tried my best and fought in all my matches, there is nothing to regret for.
Questions regarding your seniors, who did you fear the most when you first entered the Cipayung national training?
I didn't fear my seniors but I felt reluctant toward all the seniors. Moreover I was very young back then when I first entered the national training camp. So it wasn't a fear of the seniors, but more to the environment and the atmoshpere of the dorm life.
But it did come across to my mind before I went to live in the dorm, I was afraid to be bullied by the seniors. It was only rumor that I heard and there was some "bullying". Mostly just pranks though for a laugh nothing sinister or anything to be emotional about. It was just normal things.
Taufik is your idol. Why Taufik?
I first know badminton because of him and started learning and growing up playing badminton watching him on TV in Taufik era.
But it was all only from the TV. I had never watched him live, yet it was a joy to me.
What do you admire about Taufik?
It's his playing style on court, especially his calmness. There were times when I watched his match while holding a racket, trying to copy how he played. Imitating his movement of smashing, etc.
You have a trademark look of thin mustache. Any plan of growing your mustache for a different look?
Hahaha.. not really, now that I shave even more often. Making it a routine.
If you had the chance to pick a player for a whole year sparring partner, which badminton players would you choose?
Actually, there were many players I'd like to pick. But maybe it's between LCW or LD. I also want to know their daily activities off court. What kind of things I could learn or copy, the good habits that could make them the great players they had become.
Have you ever cried before when you lose? What match was that?
Yes, I have. When I was still amateur I lost to a player much older than me, a real badminton player at that time. I was only 9-10 years old back then.
After becoming a pro, it was when I lost in AG 2018 Semifinal. Well, I was sad because I had once a cramp in a match and had no expectation of playing well in the individual event or to recover that fast. But I managed to beat CL and Momota, but I ended up losing to CTC in the Semifinal.
My expectation was at the peak (in the semifinal). It was held in Indonesia, in AG which only held once in four years. So my desire to win (get to the final and be the champion) was really big at that time.
Have you ever been underestimated? When?
Yes. Especially at the times when I just entered here (national camp). During that time I couldn't prove myself as I just joined and was not yet familiar with the training situation. My results weren't that good either back then.
What skill do you master besides Badminton?
Swimming. My mother gave me swimming lessons ever since I was little. I swam more than played badminton at that time, up to three times a week. If I didn't become a badminton player, I could have been a swimmer instead. Hahaha..
What are the differences before and after you become well known when you go out to public places?
More people recognise me, some asking to take photo or even asking for a hand shake suddenly. For example when I was walking, there were some who came up and greeted me : "Are you Ginting?", then ask to take photos and also for a signature.
Do you feel disturbed sometimes?
Sometimes when I am in bad mood. Or when I get distracted while doing something. Like getting interrupted in a serious discussion. However I will try my best to be friendly. Not to be arrogant.
v
What kind of behavior of fans that amaze you?
Yeah, probably during the tournament. Even when the matches haven't started yet, even if the tournament start, say, at 1 but the fans have started to queue up since 9. Their perseverance just to watch us live was amazing, I salute them.
During Asian Games there were some who waited for us training in the national camp just to see us. They came very early in the morning and waited till the late afternoon. It even made the security felt bad and begged us to come out just to greet the fans outside.
What is the most unique present you have ever received from a fan?
What is it, I wonder? I mean there are too many I can't even choose. Hehehe.. I mean there are so many unique gifts.
What is the most unique gift?
I guess it's a handwriting of Bible verses. It's a jar with small paper inside, the writings are the verses of Bible. There was a written message too, if you are feeling down please read this verses so you will become strong again. The fan even know my favorite verse because I often posted Bible verses in the Instagram.
What are your favorite verses?
There are many. Depends on the problem I am facing or the inspiration I am getting.
Besides swimming, what sports do you like?
Football, I mean I like to play it too. Sometimes when I am having a break during badminton training, I like to play football too. Watching football is also my hobby.
As a man who was born in West Java, are you a Bobotoh or a big fan of Persib? (*I think Persib is West Java team, and what the hell is Bobotoh, I have no idea)
No, not really a big fan. I mean I just like football. For an instance, some like Liverpool. So no matter if that club's performance is going up or down, it's still Liverpool. Honestly, I don't really have any favorite team. I just like the sport.
Who is the most meritorious figure in Anthony Ginting's career beside your parents?
There are many. The ones that I remember the most, definitely until now are Koh Hendri Saputra and Irwansyah. And when I was a junior there were mas Imam Tohari and mas Budi Santoso. Their guidance and teachings are what I am holding on until now.
Including the discipline?
A lot. Both on court and off court. For example, making sure there is nothing distracting from outside the court.
What about advises?
The advise that I remember the most is don't get influenced by what people say. Just keep focused.