Hendra looks back at how Covid almost floored his Tokyo trip

PETALING JAYA: Indonesian doubles ace Hendra Setiawan nearly missed the trip to Tokyo Olympics after contracting Covid-19 just three weeks prior to the team’s departure to Japan on July 8.

According to Indonesian daily Kompas, the 36-year-old had been left sweating over a series of pre-departure swab test results although he had been tested negative upon completing his two-week quarantine.

Although the Tokyo Games were only scheduled to begin on July 24, the Indonesian side left for Japan way earlier to set up a training camp in Kumamoto prefecture, about 1,100km from the capital.

Hendra had feared the worst that he could test positive once again as Japanbound athletes were required to be screened daily for three consecutive days to ensure they’re Covid-19 free before boarding their flight.

“I did everything according to doctor’s advice such as exposing myself under the sunlight, taking vitamins and rest,” Hendra told Kompas.

“Still, the wait for the test results did stress me out. I was afraid that if it turned out positive again.

“If that had happened, my name would have been removed even though I had been registered (for the Olympics).”

Hendra eventually made the trip with partner Mohammad Ahsan, 34, and played in what could be their Olympics swansong.

The world No. 2 and three-time world champions failed to make amends from their disastrous group stage outing in Rio five years ago.

After being beaten by eventual gold medallists Lee Yang-wang Chi-lin of Taiwan in the semi-finals, Ahsanhendra went on to lose against Aaron Chia-soh Wooi Yik in the playoff for bronze.

Aaron-wooi Yik won 17-21, 21-17, 21-14 to avenge on their earlier group stage defeat to the same pair.