In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Indonesian badminton player Gregoria Mariska Tunjung secured a bronze medal in the women's singles event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This marks the first medal for the Indonesian contingent at this year's games and the first women's singles medal for Indonesia since the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

"Praise be to God Almighty, by His will and His blessings, we have not won a medal in the women’s singles for so long, now Gregoria can win a bronze medal," said Herli Djaenudin, the women’s singles coach of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI), after the match. Herli expressed immense gratitude for continuing the tradition of Indonesia's success in Olympic badminton.

The Chef de Mission of the Indonesian Contingent for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Anindya Bakrie, echoed these sentiments, expressing pride in Gregoria's achievement. "Alhamdulillah, Gregoria’s efforts are extraordinary. May this inspire all athletes to not give up until the end. This is a source of pride for us and Gregoria; she makes Indonesia proud. Gregoria’s performance continues to improve," Anindya remarked.

Gregoria's journey to the podium was marked by impressive victories over notable opponents. In the Group G preliminary round, she triumphed over Ukrainian player Polina Buhrova and Czech player Tereza Svabikova. She continued her winning streak by defeating Kim Ga Eun of South Korea in the round of 16 and Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand in the quarter-finals.

However, in the semifinals, Gregoria faced a formidable opponent in South Korea's An Se Young, who ultimately went on to win the gold medal. In a turn of events, Carolina Marin of Spain, who was leading in her semifinal match against China's He Bing Jiao, had to retire due to a right knee injury, resulting in Gregoria being awarded the bronze medal.

Gregoria's victory ends a 16-year drought for Indonesia in the women's singles badminton event at the Olympics, a feat last achieved by Maria Kristin at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The entire nation celebrates this momentous occasion, as Gregoria Mariska Tunjung has once again placed Indonesia on the Olympic podium.