SEAToday.com, Jakarta - Indonesia has many achievements in badminton. However, badminton would not be as popular as it is now in Indonesia without “The Magnificent Seven”.
Who are they?
- Tan Joe Hok
Bandung’s Tan Joe Hok was born on August 11, 1937, and is the first Indonesian to win All England in 1959. After retiring from badminton, he became a coach in Mexico and Hong Kong. He also worked for PB Djarum and coached the 1984 Thomas Cup team. SIWO/PWI Jaya rewarded him with the “Best Sports Coach” award in that year.
- Eddy Joesoef
Eddy Joesoef from Jakarta, once considered mediocre by foreign medias, managed to help bring home the first ever Thomas Cup.
- Lie Poo Djian
Lie Poo Djian, born August 25, 1932, was an Indonesian shuttler in the 1960s. Along with the Indonesian Thomas Cup team, he won the title in a challenge round in Singapore. He also won the 1961 Thomas Cup.
- Tan King Gwan
Tan King Gwan, born in 1932, was an Indonesian shuttler that won titles in the 1958 Thomas Cup and 1961 Thomas Cup.
- Njoo Kiem Bie
Njoo Kiem Bie, born in 1927, managed to win the Australasian zone of the Thomas Cup in 1957, Thomas Cup in 1958 and 1961, Malaysia Open, and Singapore Open. He also worked for the Indonesian badminton association.
- Olich Solichin
Olich Solichin from Tasikmalaya was a part of “The Magnificent Seven”, bringing home the Thomas Cup in his time.
- Ferry Sonneville
Ferry Sonneville, born in January 1931, was a badminton athlete, jiu jitsu athlete and coach, and founded the Indonesian badminton association as well as National Sports Committee of Indonesia.
