PAPUAN ATHLETE – After we talk about mostly sport at papua as mention some of the big names of Boaz Solossa or who is currently a regular player in the Indonesian National Football Team, Ricky Kambuaya. Not to mention the triumphant story about the professional football club from Papua, namely Persipura Jayapura, which when coached by a coach from Brazil, Jacksen F. Tiago, managed to win the number one title in Indonesia. As time goes by, sporting talents in football continue to exist in Papua. However, it is precisely in the current period that a famous athlete has emerged who is involved in one of the most prestigious and popular sports among the public.
Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo is on the rise among badminton fans in Indonesia. Apart from the intense competition between badminton athletes in the men’s singles category, such as Anthony Sinisuka Ginting and Jonatan Christie, there is another name from Papua, the man we talk about is Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo. Chico has quite outstanding talent at a younger age than his two seniors. Chico’s dream is to inspire the Papuan people to reach the national badminton level and also make Papua proud on the national and international badminton arena.
Chico’s career journey was quite winding. The badminton facilities in Papua when he was little were not as good as they are now. However, his strong determination succeeded in taking him forward to national level competitions until he was finally invited to join the badminton club from Jakarta, PB Exist, and then succeeded in becoming a National Training athlete. Chico’s achievements continue to increase. Starting from being runner-up at the world junior championship in 2016. The highlight of his individual career was winning the 2022 Malaysia Masters and becoming the first champion from Papua to win the BWF Super 500 title. Apart from individual achievements, Chico is also part of the Indonesian badminton team who won the Thomas Cup in 2020.
When Papua was famous for playing football with stunning natural talent, Chico chose to play badminton. So far, badminton in Indonesia has had prestige as a sport that is quite popular, such as football. However, this is the first time a native Papuan has succeeded in becoming a star in badminton. Not only did he become champion at national level, but Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo managed to become champion at international level.