Return of Istora Fan Mania
The Istora Senayan, despite its seating capacity of 7,166, can be as loud as a jam-packed Wembley Stadium when England are contesting a football World Cup final. So much so, the Indonesian arena is considered the…
· DIANNE PIERRE
The Istora Senayan, despite its seating capacity of 7,166, can be as loud as a jam-packed Wembley Stadium when England are contesting a football World Cup final. So much so, the Indonesian arena is considered the lifetime home of badminton since its maiden event – the 1961 Thomas Cup.
The COVID-19 pandemic sent the legendary venue into silence after it hosted the Indonesia Masters in 2020 but with the tournament returning to the Istora alongside Indonesia Open in consecutive weeks in June – following a stopover in Bali last year – a multitude of superstars travelled back to Jakarta to enjoy its famous fan mania. It was the first time the capital city has seen a roaring crowd in almost three years.
An Se Young and world champion Loh Kean Yew were among those who took it all in as they got up close and personal with their supporters.