IBF fears for sponsorship amid crisis<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The International Badminton Federation (IBF)
\nvice chairman, Justian Suhandinata, has said that he hopes
\nsponsors will not withdraw from the Thomas and Uber Cups to be
\nheld in Hong Kong in May.<\/p>\n
His statement came amid reports that financial difficulties
\nresulting from the regional economic crisis were forcing some of
\nthe event's backers to contemplate reneging on commitments of
\nsupport.<\/p>\n
\"I hope none of the sponsors, who have signed contracts, will
\nbreak their agreements. I hope the three companies -- RCTI, a
\nprivately run TV channel, PT. HM. Sampoerna, a cigarette
\nmanufacturer, and International Management Group (IMG), an events
\npromoter -- will find a way to overcome their budgetary
\nproblems\", Justian said.<\/p>\n
However, Antara, quoting a source in PT. HM. Sampoerna, said
\nthe company would definitely be unable to provide the US$ 1
\nmillion which it had promised to support the event.<\/p>\n
\"We'll be very relieved if there is another company willing to
\nreplace our sponsorship of the biennial event,\" the unnamed
\nsource said.<\/p>\n
The IBF is still confident that the event will take place as
\nplanned because some participating countries -- Japan, China and
\nChinese Taipei -- have agreed to provide financial support. The
\nthree countries will purchase unsold promotion boards placed
\naround the courts.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, the IBF has said that if the three companies
\nsubmit down payments, the federation will make up the shortfall
\nin promised financial support.<\/p>\n
\"I think by working together, none of the companies will have
\nto disregard the contract. That's the most important thing,\"
\nJustian said.<\/p>\n
Cup organizers in Hong Kong have also promised to hand over
\n$100,000 from ticket sales. (yan)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ibf-fears-for-sponsorship-amid-crisis-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}