Taufik Hidayat: From Badminton Champion to Deputy Minister

TIMESINDONESIA, JAKARTA – Taufik Hidayat, a former Indonesian badminton star, has been known to embark on a remarkable career journey in badminton. It has now led him to the position of Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports in President Prabowo Subianto's administration.

Officially appointed for the 2024-2029 term, his appointment was confirmed by President Prabowo during a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Sunday, October 20.

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Taufik Hidayat is no stranger to success, having made his mark as one of Indonesia’s most celebrated athletes. Born in Bandung on August 10, 1981, Taufik, now 43 years old, has a long list of accolades from his badminton career.

His fame transcended the sport, not only for his stellar performances but also for his charismatic presence, which gained him a strong fan base.

Throughout his career, Taufik secured victories in various international tournaments, excelling in the men’s singles division. He achieved a rare feat by winning gold medals in major multi-sport events, including the SEA Games, Asian Games, and the Olympics.

His crowning moment came at the 2004 Athens Olympics, where he won the gold medal in men's singles Indonesia’s only gold in that edition of the Games. Taufik also held the title of world champion and the number one badminton player in the world, contributing to Indonesia's victory in the prestigious Thomas Cup.

In 2013, Taufik retired from professional badminton, bringing an end to a storied career. However, his involvement in sports did not cease.

In 2017-2018, he served as a special staff member at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and later, he played a key role as a mentor in the men’s singles sector as part of the Indonesian Badminton Association's (PBSI) 2024 Olympic Ad Hoc team.

Aside from sports, Taufik Hidayat has ventured into the political arena. In the 2024 General Election, he ran for a seat in the Indonesian Parliament (DPR) through the Gerindra Party.

Despite receiving a significant number of votes, he did not secure a seat. Nevertheless, his deep understanding of sports and his commitment to advancing Indonesia’s athletic endeavors earned him a crucial role in Prabowo’s cabinet.

Taufik's appointment as Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports is seen as a strategic move to leverage his experience and achievements in sports to propel Indonesia’s sports programs forward.

His journey from athlete to politician, and now a government official, underscores his enduring dedication to the development of Indonesian sports.

With his leadership, the government hopes to further promote sports and foster greater achievements on both the national and international stages.

Taufik Hidayat's unique combination of athletic experience and political insight positions him well to contribute to the country’s sports development policies and inspire the next generation of Indonesian athletes. (*)

Pewarta: Rohmatul Ummah

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