Tangerang, Banten (ANTARA News) - All England mixed-double champion Tontowi Ahmad-Liliyana Natsir received a warm welcome upon arrival home here on Wednesday.

Friends, family members and national badminton association board members who had been waiting for their arrival gave a big applause upon seeing them.

The chief of the All Indonesia Badminton Association, Gita Wirjawan, put garlands on the two players.

"I was moved seeing their performance and spirit. Thank God, they have made a victory according to our target. This will be a good capital for meeting future challenges which will not be lighter than in the All England," he said.

He said he had set three targets namely becoming champions in the Sudirman Cup, the World Cup and the SEA Games.

"Our roads ahead are full of challenges. We must not be off-guard. Once again we are very proud (of your victory)," he said.

He said he would not break his promise to give them a bonus for their achievement. "We are committed to giving them a bonus including their coach," he added.

Liliyana meanwhile said "I am really glad to be received like this. I was moved. Hopefully this will be a good start for our future achievements," she said.

Tontowi and Liliyana became the champion after beating Zhang Nan-Zhao Yunlei 21-13, 21-17 on Sunday.

This was the second champion title after they won the historic one in 2012 after that in 1979 made by Christian Hadinata and Imelda Wigoeno.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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