Greysia Polii secured Indonesia's first ever women's doubles gold medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics, competing alongside Apriyani Rahayu. Born in Jakarta in 1987, she spent her formative years training at the Jaya Raya club. Her professional tenure spans nearly two decades of international competition, marked by multiple podium finishes in Asian and global championship events.
Early Development and Transition
Polii began her formal training in Jakarta in 1995. At the Jaya Raya club, she initially played singles until coach Retno Kustijah identified her aptitude for doubles. By age 14, she shifted her focus, joining the national team in 2003. Her early partnerships, specifically with Heni Budiman, yielded a National Championships title and success in satellite tournaments.
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Throughout her career, Polii cycled through various partners as injury and performance dictated. She worked with Jo Novita, winning the 2006 Philippines Open, and later reached a world ranking of number 2 alongside Nitya Krishinda Maheswari. Her medal count includes bronze at the 2015, 2018, and 2019 World Championships, and gold at the 2014 Asian Games.
Olympic and Regional Achievements
Polii represented Indonesia at the 2012, 2016, and 2020 Summer Olympics. Her 2020 Olympic gold remains a primary career highlight. Regionally, she was a consistent force at the South East Asian Games, winning gold in 2019 and contributing to the winning Indonesian women's team at the 2007 games.
Administrative Role and Recognition
Beyond her court activity, Polii contributed to the governance of the sport as a member of the BWF Athletes' Commission. Her terms spanned 2013 to 2017 and 2021 to 2025, during which she acted as a representative for athletes to the BWF council. Her impact has been recognized through awards including Asia's Most Influential Indonesia in 2021 and Gen.T Indonesia in 2022.
Fast facts
- Born: 1987, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Education: Trisakti University
- Olympic Gold: 2020 Summer Olympics
- Career High Ranking: World number 2
- Primary Sport: Badminton
- Affiliations: BWF Athletes' Commission, Persatuan Bulutangkis Seluruh Indonesia
- Languages: Indonesian
Questions readers ask
What is Greysia Polii's primary achievement in the Olympics?
She won Indonesia's first ever women's doubles gold medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Did Polii play singles or doubles throughout her career?
She switched to doubles exclusively at age 14 after being identified as a doubles specialist by her coach.
