The 2020 Summer Olympics women's doubles gold medal serves as the centerpiece of Apriyani Rahayu’s professional achievements. Born in 1998 in the village of Lawulo, Indonesia, she transitioned from a child playing with wooden racquets strung with fishing line to a high-level competitor who has secured multiple international titles throughout her career in badminton.
Early Development and Training
Born to Ameruddin Pora and Sitti Jauhar in the Konawe Regency, Rahayu began her involvement in sport as a child. Her father managed an early training regimen that included running ten kilometers to reach competition sites. She initially practiced on a court situated behind her home, defined by areca nut trees. By age nine, she represented her region in competition. In 2011, recruiter Yuslan Kisra identified her potential, connecting her with Icuk Sugiarto. This led to her development at the PB Pelita Bakri club and later at PB Jaya Raya Jakarta.
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As a junior player, Rahayu demonstrated consistent success alongside partner Jauza Fadhila Sugiarto, topping national U17 girls' doubles rankings by 2013. Her international profile expanded in 2014 with a win at the Jaya Raya Junior International tournament and a silver medal at the World Junior Championships with Rosyita Eka Putri Sari. By 2015, she secured bronze medals at both Asian and World Junior Championships in mixed doubles with Fachryza Abimanyu.
Partnership with Greysia Polii
In May 2017, Rahayu began her pairing with mentor Greysia Polii. Their debut success arrived rapidly, claiming the Thailand Open title shortly after teaming up. This was followed by a Superseries victory at the French Open. Throughout their partnership, the duo reached a career-high world ranking of number three in September 2018. They collected significant accolades, including gold at the 2019 SEA Games and bronze at the 2018 and 2019 World Championships, as well as the 2018 Asian Games.
Recent Competitive Standing
Rahayu currently competes alongside Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti. This partnership produced a silver medal at the 2023 World Championships and a gold medal at the 2021 SEA Games. Her commitment to the sport has been recognized through various awards, including the 2021 Asia's Most Influential Indonesia distinction and a 2022 Gen.T honor.
Fast facts
- Born: 1998, Lawulo, Indonesia
- Primary sport: Badminton
- Olympic performance: Gold medal, 2020 Summer Olympics
- 2019 achievement: SEA Games champion
- World Championships record: 2018, 2019 bronze; 2023 silver
- Awards: Asia's Most Influential Indonesia (2021)
- Languages spoken: English, Indonesian
Questions readers ask
Who were Rahayu's primary partners in doubles badminton?
She is recognized for her long-standing partnership with Greysia Polii and her current work with Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti.
What early challenges did Rahayu face in her training?
She grew up in a poor family and initially trained using a homemade wooden racquet strung with fishing line before her father could afford professional equipment.
